NFL
A Vote Of Confidence In Laken Tomlinson
Today the San Francisco 49ers extended Laken Tomlinson, who started 15 games at left guard for them a season ago. Mike Garafolo first broke the news of the new three-year, $18 million deal that includes $10 million guaranteed.
Niners agree to three-year extension with OL Laken Tomlinson, source says. Deal worth a max of $18m with $10m in guarantees.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 22, 2018
Tomlinson On The Lions
The Detroit Lions drafted Laken Tomlinson out of Duke University with the 28th pick of the first round in the 2015 NFL Draft. He started 24 games in his two seasons in the Motor City, but he played poorly and failed to live up his draft pedigree. Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded him under 50.0, in the “poor” category, in both of his seasons with the Lions. He especially struggled in the passing game, where he allowed eight sacks.
Heading into the 2017 season, Tomlinson was running out of chances in Detroit. Meanwhile, the 49ers’ issues at the guard position were exacerbated when projected starter Joshua Garnett went down with a knee injury. To fill the hole that the injury left; the 49ers sent a fifth-round pick to the Lions for Tomlinson.
Tomlinson On The 49ers
The Carolina Panthers defensive line dominated starting left guard Zane Beadles in Week 1, prompting the 49ers to make a change. They inserted Tomlinson into the starting lineup before Week 2, and despite early season struggles, he held the job. Over the last five weeks of the season, PFF graded Tomlinson as a top ten guard. This coincided with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s starts, suggesting that the two may work well together.
This offseason the 49ers declined the fifth-year option on Tomlinson’s deal. Some in the media speculated that this meant they didn’t see Tomlinson as part of their long-term plans. However, the extension demonstrates that the team values Tomlinson and believes in his potential. By declining the option and extending him, the 49ers locked up Tomlinson’s services for longer at a reduced yearly price.
What It Means For Next Season
The Niners had five players competing for two guard spots this offseason, including three former first-round picks. Laken Tomlinson’s extension suggests that he has locked up the left guard spot for next year, creating even more competition on the right side.
Josh Garnett, Jonathan Cooper, Mike Person, and Erik Magnuson will have an opportunity to prove themselves and earn a starting job, but they may not all be able to find a spot on the team.
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This article was originally written by former TSJ101SPORTS writer
