49ers roster: 5 players who may follow Mike McDaniel to Dolphins
By Peter Panacy
49ers Player No. 2: Left Guard Laken Tomlinson
The Dolphins have spent considerable effort in recent years trying to upgrade their offensive line. But despite those attempts to infuse talent into this unit, Miami’s O-line still ranked 30th in run support and 19th in pass protection, according to Football Outsiders.
While landing some tackles might be one of the Dolphins’ top offseason priorities, it wouldn’t be a shock at all if they looked to purge the best Niners offensive lineman available this offseason, veteran Pro Bowl left guard Laken Tomlinson.
Tomlinson, who has been a mainstay and constant for San Francisco’s O-line since being acquired in 2017 and hasn’t missed a start since, will be looking to cash in on a lucrative free-agent deal this offseason.
Related Story: 4 teams that could steal Laken Tomlinson away from 49ers
Yes, the 49ers would love to retain Tomlinson. But with a league-high $63.7 million in projected cap space, according to Over the Cap, Miami wouldn’t have any issues whatsoever outbidding a team like the Niners to steal one of their better linemen away.
San Francisco would likely absorb the would-be losses of Ross Dwelley, Mohamed Sanu and Raheem Mostert.
Losing Tomlinson, however, would hurt in a big, big way.