The 49ers this offseason have some issues to solve along their offensive front. One of those answers may come from an offensive lineman who left the team in free agency a couple seasons ago.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Jets are releasing guard Laken Tomlinson. San Francisco should certainly kick tires on bringing back their former left guard, although a couple of obstacles could stand in their way.
First, Tomlinson has spent his entire career at left guard. That’s where 2021 second-round pick Aaron Banks resides and has for the last two seasons with pretty good success. The 49ers will always look for upgrades at any position, but finding a different LG is not atop their offseason priority list. That would mean one of either Banks or Tomlinson would need to move to the right side.
There’s also the issue of Tomlinson’s play the last couple of seasons. In two years with the Jets Tomlinson struggled as a run blocker and wasn’t great in pass protection. In five years with the 49ers he never allowed more than 39 pressures. Last season with New York he gave up 51 pressures and seven sacks per Pro Football Focus.
However, a return to San Francisco might get him back on track. Tomlinson was a Pro Bowl guard by the time he left Kyle Shanahan’s system. The 49ers only let him walk because he earned a free agency deal beyond what they were able to afford.
Tomlinson would at worst give the 49ers better depth on the interior. At best he’d be a starting-caliber guard, which San Francisco could use. He’s also available. Continuity has been a struggle up front for the 49ers the last couple of years with right guard Spencer Burford playing in a rotation first with Daniel Brunskill and then with Jon Feliciano. Tomlinson has played in all but two games in his nine-year career. He hasn’t missed a game since 2017, and he’s started every game since 2018.
There may be a bigger free agent deal for Tomlinson out there that makes him unaffordable for the 49ers. He may also not fit what they need if he’s unwilling or unable to move to the right side. If he can step in at the right price and improve their right guard situation though, it’s hard to imagine San Francisco wouldn’t try bringing him back in.
About the Author: Insidethe49
