49ers roster: 5 players who can replace Laken Tomlinson (if he leaves)

49ers option No. 1: Austin Corbett, LA Rams (NFL free agency)

If the 49ers end up spending big money for a guard this offseason, they may as well look to get younger while they’re doing so.

Laken Tomlinson is due for a massive pay increase, yes, and so is Los Angeles Rams guard Austin Corbett. The only massive difference, though, is Corbett is just 26 years old and will be hitting free agency for the first time since being taken by the Cleveland Browns in Round 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Corbett came on strong with the Rams the last two seasons, and Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing just three sacks and six hits over the course of 2021.

Want your voice heard? Join the Niner Noise team!

Write for us!

It’s also important to note both LA and San Francisco run similar offensive schemes, at least in terms of blocking assignments, meaning Corbett wouldn’t have to significantly adjust to what Kyle Shanahan would want him to do.

And, unlike going with rookie prospects who’ll be a relative unknown once they enter training camp, a player like Corbett would be ready to step in as a starter right out of the gate.

If the 49ers would want to spend out the money, though.