clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Former Lions G Laken Tomlinson signing 3-year extension with 49ers

The former Lions offensive lineman appears to be working out in SF.

NFL: Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson never really worked out in Detroit. The Lions traded down in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft and selected Tomlinson with the 28th overall pick. Tomlinson only ended up playing two years for the Lions before general manager Bob Quinn traded him to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2019 fifth-round pick.

Apparently Tomlinson’s new home is working out, as the 49ers are signing the guard to a three-year deal worth up to $18 million per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo:

You may remember that the man who originally drafted Tomlinson—former Lions GM Martin Mayhew—now works in the 49ers’ personnel department as their “senior personnel executive.” It seems Mayhew continues to be a fan of Tomlinson, despite the fact that he didn’t work out in Detroit.

In 2017, Tomlinson played at an average level for the 49ers. He earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 70.7 (32nd among all NFL guards) in 15 starts.

Whether Tomlinson’s struggles in Detroit were due to his own abilities or poor coaching is up for debate. However, the Lions did just fire their offensive line coach Ron Prince this offseason, and reporters have hinted that Prince was not well liked in the locker room. MLive’s Kyle Meinke seems to suggest that may have been the case between Tomlinson and Prince:

Whatever the case may be, it seems like Tomlinson has found a new, comfortable home in San Francisco and the 49ers are happy to have him there. Meanwhile, the Lions now have first-round pick Frank Ragnow occupying the vacancy left by the Tomlinson trade.

Thanksgiving deal: Save 20% on PODD

What's more Lions than football on Thanksgiving!? To celebrate the holiday, use promo code GOLIONS20 to save 20% on your first year of Pride of Detroit Direct. Sign up today for exclusive game analysis, subscriber-only videos, and much more!