There is plenty of hype surrounding the San Francisco 49ers amidst all the changes they made this offseason. They finally made sure to take care of one of their own as well in left guard Laken Tomlinson.
Tomlinson enjoyed a solid 2017 campaign in San Francisco. As a result, they have awarded him with a three-year, $18 million extension, via NFL Network's Mike Garafolo:
The team on Friday inked their starting left guard to a three-year extension, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The deal is worth up to $18 million and comes packed with $10 million in guarantees, according to the source.
The team elaborated on the deal and what it means for the 49ers moving forward.
“Laken is a very talented player who has improved consistently since joining the team one week before last year's season opener. This offseason, his hard work and dedication paid off as he continued to progress and performed at a high level. We were confident we could work out a contract extension with Laken and we are fired up to get that done before training camp.”
It goes without saying that San Francisco's prospects in the 2018 NFL season are based on the emergence of quarterback Jimmy Garappolo. That said, it is clear that San Francisco is doing what they can to shore up his protection.
Tomlinson's career got off to a rough start after being taken in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. As a result, the Lions traded him to the 49ers in exchange for a 2019 fifth-round pick. Needless to say, the deal worked out for San Francisco after he finally found his footing last season. He finished the 2017 campaign as the 38th-ranked guard in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.
The 49ers have been pegged as a potential darkhorse for the playoffs next season. They will need to make sure Garappolo is at full health if they are to have any chance of competing in the NFC West.
Follow Us
Subscribe