5 premier offensive linemen the Carolina Panthers should target in 2022
By Dean Jones
Laken Tomlinson – OG
- 2022 free agent (San Francisco 49ers)
Improving consistency across the interior is something the Carolina Panthers must do in pursuit of finally turning around a struggling organization. A complete capitulation in this area of the field became an ongoing frustration throughout the campaign, which wasn’t really a great surprise considering the options available and significant investment is needed in free agency or the draft.
One name that should warrant interest is Laken Tomlinson. The offensive guard has continued to develop encouragingly on a dominant San Francisco 49ers protection in 2021, giving up just two sacks and conceding five penalties from 1,094 snaps en route to a 76.0 grade from Pro Football Focus.
The former first-round pick out of Duke is a supreme force on run-blocking downs and more than holds his own in pass protection. Acquiring a player of Tomlinson’s caliber won’t be cheap, but the Panthers have to make a substantial commitment for a veteran this offseason.
Otherwise, heads could roll.
Tomlinson is one of the best free agents out there in 2022. San Francisco reached the postseason after a dramatic Week 18 and won’t want to lose a top veteran, but with around $12.7 million in cap space currently, it might be difficult to keep him around.
If that proves to be the case, then Carolina should be at the front of the queue.