5 players the 49ers were right to move on from in 2022

No. 2: 49ers were right to move on from left guard Laken Tomlinson

Admittedly, this one hurts a bit.

Veteran left guard Laken Tomlinson was the epitome of consistency and reliability for the Niners, starting every game since being acquired via trade from the Detroit Lions early in the 2017 season, finally finishing his San Francisco tenure with a well-deserved Pro Bowl nod in 2021.

Yes, the 49ers probably would have loved to have him back. Considering the injuries they’ve suffered along the offensive line over the years, Tomlinson’s regular availability would have been welcomed.

Just not at $40 million over three years.

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Tomlinson’s massive free-agent contract with the New York Jets is a price tag the Niners simply couldn’t have afforded, and Kyle Shanahan has generally downplayed the guard role in contrast to both tackles and center.

Now, the hope for San Francisco is for second-year pro Aaron Banks to fill the void Tomlinson’s departure created. Banks, the 2021 second-round draft pick, scantly saw the field his rookie season. But considering the investment the 49ers made in him a year ago, the only move is to see if that pans out at a much cheaper cost.

Saving that money all the while.