CHRISTMAS BLOCKBUSTER: A Former Pro Bowler from Super Bowl LIV Is About to Land in Tampa Bay – Is the Bucs’ offense about to be “saved” ?
TAMPA — Multiple sources close to ESPN report that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the final stages of completing a short-term deal with veteran left guard Laken Tomlinson, the 2021 Pro Bowler and Super Bowl LIV runner-up with the 49ers. The 33-year-old was waived by the Houston Texans on December 2 and cleared waivers Wednesday. If all goes according to plan, he could put pen to paper within the next 24-48 hours and be at One Buc Place in time for this weekend’s matchup against the Raiders.
“We’re always looking to upgrade the interior of the offensive line,” a high-ranking team source told ESPN on Thursday night. “Laken knows the zone scheme inside and out, has played at the highest level, and most importantly — he’s ready to go right now. That’s exactly what we need at this point in the season.” The source confirmed GM Jason Licht personally called Tomlinson’s representation just hours after the Texans officially released him.
The fit is almost perfect. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen runs a zone-blocking scheme heavily influenced by the Shanahan-McVay tree — the exact system that turned Tomlinson into a Pro Bowler during his five years in San Francisco. From 2018 to 2021, Tomlinson ranked as a top-10 guard in run-blocking grade by PFF in three separate seasons and was a cornerstone of the 49ers’ Super Bowl LIV offense. Meanwhile, second-year guard Cody Mauch continues to struggle with power rushers and hand placement; Tomlinson brings 162 consecutive starts — the second-longest active streak among NFL guards.
“I’ve still got a lot of football left in me,” Tomlinson texted ESPN late Thursday. “Tampa has an explosive offense that just needs a little stability up the middle. I know exactly what to do in this scheme.” He declined to confirm terms have been agreed to, but the grinning emoji that followed said plenty.
If the deal gets done, it would be a classic Jason Licht December steal. With roughly $11 million in remaining cap space, the Bucs would only owe Tomlinson veteran minimum salary plus a few hundred thousand in bonuses for the final 6-7 weeks — pocket change for a player who once commanded a three-year, $40 million contract.
Don’t sleep on this signing. With the Raiders, Chargers, Cowboys, and two games against the Saints still on the schedule, Tampa desperately needs to keep Baker Mayfield upright and open lanes for Bucky Irving. A zone-savvy left guard could be the difference between a wild-card flameout and a divisional-round berth. Christmas might just be coming early to Tampa — and it’s wearing an old 49ers No. 70 jersey.
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