Seahawks fans can breathe a sigh of relief after Seattle signs Laken Tomlinson
By Lee Vowell
The Seattle Seahawks have reportedly signed offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson to help somewhat fix the team's offensive line issue. Tomlinson is predominantly a left guard which is exactly where Seattle had a massive hole. The question as to why Tomlinson has not been already signed in free agency is an easy one to answer: He is old.
Tomlinson is 32 years old which is somewhat aged for an interior offensive lineman, but do not fret, 12s. The guard is still a very good pass protector and was receiving solid grades from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) before he joined the New York Jets two seasons ago. Also, no offensive lineman seems to shine in New York so Tomlinson is probably better than he has recently shown.
The left guard should also be expected to be healthy throughout the season. He has not missed a game since 2017 and has only missed one in his career. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021 when he was still with the San Francisco 49ers. Tomlinson's deal is for one year and up to $4 million.
Seattle Seahawks improve offensive line by signing Laken Tomlinson
Tomlinson has spent time with three teams since he entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick in 2015. He started his career with the Detroit Lions before joining the 49ers for five years. He has received good grades from PFF in terms of pass-blocking in every season but one. Except for the last two seasons, he was also a very efficient run-blocker.
The Seahawks' offensive line might now be set if Week 1 was next week. The tackles would be Charles Cross and, if healthy, Abe Lucas, and center would be Olu Oluwatimi.
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One can logically assume second-year pro Anthony Bradford will play right guard. The signing of Tomlinson also does not preclude Seattle from drafting an offensive lineman high in the 2024 NFL draft. That could potentially be a player such as Washington's Troy Fautanu, one might hope.
The signing of Tomlinson at least is a step in the right direction. The 6'3" and 323-pound guard should be solid for one year, at least, in Seattle, and the concern about the offensive line is at least lessened because he is on the team.
Also, while it seems the Seahawks cannot afford any more players, it's important to note that teams will cut their rosters down to 51 before the season so some expensive players, such as Darrell Taylor and his $3 million for 2024, might not count toward the cap when final rosters are set. Seattle could also create cap room by rolling Geno Smith and/or DK Metcalf's base salary into a signing bonus.
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