49ers news: 4 offseason moves that aren’t getting talked about
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers not making any free-agent additions to offensive line
The next up of non-discussed NFL free agency moves made by John Lynch and Co. isn’t a move at all, rather a non-move.
But it is telling.
San Francisco elected to let Pro Bowl left guard Laken Tomlinson walk in free agency, him signing a lucrative three-year, $40 million deal with the New York Jets. The 49ers weren’t going to be able to pay Tomlinson that kind of money, meaning they’ll have to explore contingency plans to replace him.
Furthermore, the Niners also lost swing tackle Tom Compton, who filled in for injured starter Mike McGlinchey over the latter half of 2021, to the Denver Broncos. Compton’s departure creates another void San Francisco will look to fill, especially if McGlinchey isn’t at 100 percent by the time training camp rolls around.
However, San Francisco didn’t make any moves to reinforce the offensive line despite these departures.
This indicates one (or both) of two things. The 49ers could be comfortable with McGlinchey’s recovery process, and they’re also comfortable with inserting their second-round draft pick from a year ago, Aaron Banks, into Tomlinson’s spot at left guard.
Perhaps the Niners aren’t as worried about their O-line as the fanbase is.