The 49ers have their first key departure of the offseason.
Pro Bowl guard Laken Tomlinson is signing with the New York Jets according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Tomlinson’s exit means that the plan is for Aaron Banks, last year’s second-round pick, to take over as the 49ers’ starting left guard. Banks played just five offensive snaps last season, and was inactive for a number of games. The 49ers will also receive a compensatory draft pick in return.
Tomlinson, 30, will be reunited with Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and offensive line coach John Benton. The deal is reportedly for three-years, $40 million. That was apparently too rich for San Francisco, who were believed to value Tomlinson at around $9 to $10 million per year.
Tomlinson had a breakout year in 2021, making the first Pro Bowl of his career. Tomlinson was extremely reliable for the 49ers since they acquired him from the Lions via trade in 2015. Tomlinson missed just one game in his five seasons in San Francisco.