5 potential 49ers free agents we will miss (if they aren’t re-signed)

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

Yes, just like Raheem Mostert, D.J. Jones and K’Waun Williams, left guard Laken Tomlinson has been another one of the mainstays for the 49ers ever since 2017, starting every game since that trade with the Detroit Lions that has essentially turned into a Niners steal.

Tomlinson was appearing to be a bust before that deal went down, eventually turning into as reliable a player as one could have hoped for, solidifying his tenure with San Francisco with a 2021 Pro Bowl nomination.

Great for him. And great for “victory donuts,” too. Look it up if you’re not sure what both we and Tomlinson mean.

At any rate, while Tomlinson might not be as flashy or recognized as his linemate, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, Tomlinson is nevertheless as steady as they’ve come for the 49ers offensive line.

Now 30 years old, Tomlinson is due for what could be a contract worth more than $10 million annually. The Niners may have to decide between players like Tomlinson and Jones, as far as who they’d want to prioritize first on a new deal, and a bidding war for either player could make the choice that much more difficult.

Tomlinson’s name has rarely been called during his San Francisco tenure, which is usually a good thing for an O-lineman.

If he’s gone, and his subsequent replacement struggles, fans will miss Tomlinson in a bad way.