Laken Tomlinson has been released, raising the question: should the 49ers consider claiming him off waivers following Ben Bartch’s recent season-ending injury? This situation is quite intriguing, especially given the context of the teams involved and the timing of his release. When a veteran like Tomlinson hits the waiver wire, it's worth examining whether he might be a good fit for the 49ers, particularly since claiming him isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
Here's where it gets interesting—fans and analysts often have contrasting views depending on their perspective. For instance, Texans supporters took a celebratory tone on Twitter upon hearing that Tomlinson was no longer part of their roster. The 33-year-old, who was still starting for Houston as recently as Week 9, has now been sidelined with a healthy scratch for some time. That shift in his status highlights how quickly a player's career can change, especially for those in the later stages.
Tomlinson is widely regarded as one of the most professional and kind-hearted players in the league. However, when looking at his current performance—especially through the lens of the 49ers' needs—it’s clear that he’s not the same player who made a significant impact in 2021. At this stage, he’s almost like a seasoned veteran who has to strategize and tip off his intentions to give himself a chance—an indication that his physical abilities may not be what they once were.
The Seahawks, for example, opted not to bring Tomlinson back after he started 17 games last season. From the perspective of Texans fans, it’s perplexing to recall that Tomlinson was still a reliable starter just a few months ago in November. But in the NFL, circumstances and team needs evolve quickly.
Now, considering the 49ers’ current roster, they lack veteran depth on the interior line after Ben Bartch’s season-ending injury. The options available are Connor Colby and Nick Zakelj, neither of whom have the same experience or consistency as Tomlinson. Could the 49ers be tempted to bring him back? It’s certainly within the realm of possibility.
Yet, when examining his recent play through statistics and game footage, it appears that Tomlinson’s best days might be behind him. According to Sports Info Solutions, his blown block rate is 4.1% in pass protection and 6.6% in run blocking—ranking him among the lower tier of NFL offensive linemen. These numbers suggest a decline in effectiveness, and his familiarity with the system might be the only reason to consider him.
Reclaiming Tomlinson would likely be a lateral move at this point, with limited upside unless the coaching staff sees his veteran presence and experience as enough to justify a roster spot over younger, less proven players like Burford. The left guard position has been a revolving door for the 49ers all season, and Tomlinson’s consistent stability could be a valuable asset in that regard.
In the end, whether the 49ers should claim Tomlinson depends heavily on how much the organization values his veteran leadership versus his current performance levels. Is a seasoned presence worth a potential downgrade on the field? Or should they prioritize younger players and future potential? This debate is sure to spark differing opinions—what do you think? Should the 49ers take a chance on Tomlinson again, or is it time to move forward with the players already in the fold?
