New York Jets guard and former Pro Bowler Laken Tomlinson was the latest salary cap casualty this NFL offseason.
The Jets on Monday released the veteran guard after a two-year stint with the team, according to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler. The move is expected to save the team just over $8M.
Tomlinson was a 2015 first-round pick drafted by the Detroit Lions. He played a couple of seasons for the Lions before moving on and finding success with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Jets signed Tomlinson to a three-year, $40M during the 2022 offseason after his first and only Pro Bowl season with the 49ers.
Tomlinson, who’s been durable throughout his entire career, never missed a game for the Jets with 34 total appearances. However, Tomlinson regressed mightily after making the move east.
Pro Football Focus ranked Tomlinson 53rd among NFL guards; he received a putrid 55.0 grade at his position. His run-blocking was rated even lower with a brutal 49.6 grade.
Tomlinson’s departure leaves three open holes to plug within the Jets’ offensive line. The team also isn’t expected to bring back free agents O-linemen Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown.
With a serious need for talented blockers, the Jets have been linked to one of Aaron Rodgers’ former star teammates to potentially fill the void.
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