The San Francisco 49ers will likely try to do everything in their power to keep their 2021 roster intact. While change could be coming for the team at the quarterback spot, it would be in the best interest of the franchise to retain most of their key pieces, as the team was on the doorstep of a Super Bowl berth. One such key piece is free agent guard Laken Tomlinson, who was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career after a fine season. It's rare that a lineman who is still in his prime- Tomlinson is 30- and is playing at a high level is eligible for the NFL's free agency period. If the 49ers don't manage to retain Tomlinson, there will certainly be a line of teams waiting to bid for his services. That said, here are the three best landing spots for Laken Tomlinson in the NFL's 2022 free agency period, ranked.
Laken Tomlinson Free Agency Landing Spots
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3. 49ers
The 49ers had one of the best running games in the NFL this past season, as they ranked seventh in the NFL in rushing yards per contest. San Francisco's identity is clearly that of a run-first team, which will be even more clear if and when Trey Lance takes over at quarterback. Not only will the 49ers want to protect Lance in the passing game, but they will also want to ensure that there are ample running lanes for the mobile signal-caller to run through. Laken Tomlinson was key to the 49ers' success in the run game, as he owned an excellent 75.0 PFF run-blocking grade for the 2021 season. It would make sense for the 49ers to do their best to retain Tomlinson during the 2022 NFL free agency period.
2. Steelers
The Steelers' offensive line needs to improve nest season. With a new signal-caller likely to be under center and second-year pro Najee Harris showing that he belongs in the NFL, it makes even more sense for Pittsburgh to bring in more offensive line help. Despite Harris' excellent rookie year, the Steelers were pretty poor at run-blocking, as evidenced by PFF's overall grade for the team. Harris simply didn't have enough room to run behind the line. That wouldn't be as much of an issue if the Steelers went out and signed Tomlinson, who could single-handedly make a huge difference for Pittsburgh. If the Steelers are going to go with a rookie or unproven option at quarterback, they had better make sure they can run the ball efficiently. Tomlinson would help them do just that.
1. Giants
The Giants need help on the offensive line about as badly as any team in the NFL. New York possesses two picks in the first round, one of which will certainly be utilized on the offensive line. However, why should the Giants stop with just the draft? New York won't have a ton of cap space, though they should absolutely use some of it to sign Tomlinson. The Giants were horrible at both guard spots, meaning Tomlinson would be a massive upgrade. If the Giangs are serious about sticking with Saquon Barkley at running back, they need to get him some space to run behind. Tomlinson would instantly make the Giants a better run-blocking team and would complete New York's offensive line makeover.
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