5 free agents that would improve Steelers OL in 2022

Laken Tomlinson, Steelers position fit: RG

Laken Tomlinson didn’t have the best start to his career after the Detroit Lions selected him 28th overall in the 2015 NFL draft, but all he needed was a change of scenery. After largely struggling his first two seasons, Detroit traded him to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2019 5th round pick. Since then, he has started all but one game and established himself as one of the better run blockers at his position. His pass blocking isn’t elite, but he is far from a liability.

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan recognized Tomlinson’s value in his zone-heavy rushing offense, and it helped get his career back on track. He signed a modest 3-year, $16.5 million deal that runs out this offseason, and he could be looking at nearly doubling his average yearly salary. San Francisco would be wise to try and retain him, but with left tackle Trent Williams ($23.1 million) and right tackle Mike McGlinchey ($10.8 million on his 5th-year option in 2022) commanding big money, paying a third lineman over $10 million a year may not be in the cards.

If Tomlinson does make it to free agency, he would be a great consolation prize for the Steelers if they miss out on Scherff. He has essentially no past injury concerns except for a torn MCL that he did not miss any time with, making him a lower risk signing as well. There is a chance he may not be quite as good outside of Shanahan’s scheme, but he would still be a significant upgrade over what Pittsburgh currently is working with.

Scherff is still the best player that Pittsburgh has a shot at bringing in, but Tomlinson could be the better value if he can sustain his level of play.