5 pending free-agent 49ers who have earned new contracts for 2022

No. 1: 49ers Left Guard Laken Tomlinson

If there’s truly a top pending free-agent target San Francisco must go all out to re-sign, it’s left guard Laken Tomlinson.

Yes, Tomlinson doesn’t receive anywhere near the credit or recognition as the lineman to his immediate left, left tackle Trent Williams. But Tomlinson has still been the mainstay of the 49ers offensive line, the longest-tenured starter on the roster within this group and a player who hasn’t missed a start since being infused into the starting lineup early in 2017 after being acquired from the Detroit Lions.

Tomlinson, who owns a 71.6 overall Pro Football Focus grade so far this season, epitomizes the term “reliable,” and he hasn’t been a liability in either run support or pass protection this season either.

According to Over the Cap, Tomlinson’s 2021 play has netted a valuation of $11.16 million.

The Niners don’t exactly have contingency plans in place to replace him either. Rookie guard Aaron Banks, selected in Round 2 of this year’s NFL Draft, has yet to take an offensive snap and has found himself inactive more times than not. Right guard Daniel Brunskill remains the weakest link along the O-line, too, and San Francisco has few options to upgrade his spot.

Should Tomlinson walk, the problem is only compounded, meaning it’ll be more than just wise to keep him around for a while.