Guard Laken Tomlinson is among the NFL's most underappreciated offensive linemen. There is a significant push from Tomlinson's teammates and San Francisco 49ers fans to earn him his first Pro Bowl selection.
Tomlinson is in the final year of his contract and is scheduled to become a free agent after the season. He currently earns an average of $5.5 million per year, which ranks No. 21 among NFL guards, per Spotrac. Pro Football Focus predicts a significant pay increase for the 49ers offensive lineman.
Pro Football Focus ranks Tomlinson as its No. 28 player expected to enter free agency. The versatile offensive lineman will have options if the 49ers fail to re-sign him.
"Tomlinson has developed into one of the best guards in the league under Kyle Shanahan, so a zone-heavy system is best for him to ensure continued high production," wrote Pro Football Focus in its analysis. "However, Tomlinson has done it all throughout his career and he can play in any scheme."
Pro Football Focus added, "After a slow start to his career, Tomlinson developed into a high-end starter and his most recent work ranks him among the league's best guards. He's a valuable asset in the run game and a strong pass protector who has plenty of good football left as a starting guard."
What does the analytics site predict for Tomlinson's next contract? The Pro Football Focus team projects a three-year, $27 million deal for the veteran guard with $16.5 million guaranteed. That's $9 million per year and a 64 percent pay increase.
"He has yet to allow a sack through Week 13 of the 2021 season," Pro Football Focus adds. "Tomlinson has surrendered a quarterback pressure on just 3.8% of pass-rush snaps, the 16th-best mark among guards with at least 200 snaps on the season."
Pro Football Focus also lists the 49ers as potential suitors for Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis, who ranks No. 7 on the free-agent list.