Grading the New York Jets’ signing of Laken Tomlinson

The New York Jets filled a major need along their offensive line by importing guard Laken Tomlinson from the San Francisco 49ers.

The New York Jets figured to be movers and shakers in NFL free agency with an abundance of salary cap space and plenty of needs to fill. GM Joe Douglas has started the offseason with a big splash along the offensive line by signing former San Francisco 49ers’ guard Laken Tomlinson, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

Tomlinson, 30, made his first Pro Bowl with the 49ers this season as their starting left guard. NFL Network’s Mike Garofalo has terms of the deal at three years, $40 million with $27 million of it guaranteed.

Grading the Jets’ signing of Laken Tomlinson

The biggest hole on the Jets’ offensive line was at right guard and signing a Pro Bowler to fill it makes a ton of sense. There is a slight wrinkle because Tomlinson will have to move to the right side since the Jets already drafted Alijah Vera-Tucker with the 13th overall pick last season but there is scheme familiarity since New York’s coaching staff came from San Francisco.

The terms of the deal are also a good value for the Jets since Brandon Scherff landed in Jacksonville and is significantly less durable than Tomlinson, who has missed just one game since being drafted in 2015 by the Detroit Lions. Tomlinson’s arrival bolsters the one weakness on New York’s offensive line as Douglas has done a strong job transforming the unit from one of the league’s worst upon his arrival in 2019 into a group that has the potential to become one of the league’s best in the next two years.

The value here also allows the Jets to target quality players at other positions of need, such as cornerback and safety, since they didn’t break the bank for Tomlinson. This is excellent value for New York.

Grade: A