4 upcoming free agents 49ers should re-sign at all costs

49ers free-agent priority No. 1: Left guard Laken Tomlinson

The 49ers offensive line will look to establish some continuity heading into 2022, especially with rookie quarterback Trey Lance taking over starting duties, yet it’s a unit that faces some serious questions.

There’s a need to upgrade at right guard over Daniel Brunskill, and it’s also anyone’s guess how quickly right tackle Mike McGlinchey recovers from a torn quad suffered last season. Center Alex Mack seems to always be mulling retirement, too.

Related Story: 4 teams that could steal Laken Tomlinson from 49ers

But the biggest worry is whether or not left guard Laken Tomlinson, a player who hasn’t missed a start since being acquired by the Niners at the beginning of the 2017 season and made the 2022 Pro Bowl, will stick around.

A free agent who could potentially earn up to $9 million per season on a new deal, annually, should ask for that kind of money after being such a stalwart along the O-line and performing well next to All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, allowing just two sacks and seven quarterback hits over the course of the season.

Tomlinson might easily be San Francisco’s top re-sign priority this season, and it would be a good measure to do so and reward a player who has quietly been one of the most reliable cogs in its offense the last few years.

NFL free agency officially kicks off when the league’s new year begins on March 16.