Background and career context
– Tomlinson was a first-round pick (28th overall) in the 2015 NFL Draft. Over 11 seasons, he has appeared in 173 NFL games and started 162.
– He has played for multiple teams, including the Lions, 49ers, Jets, Seahawks, and Texans. Notably, he started 162 of his 173 career games, underscoring his role as a durable interior lineman.
– In 2022, Tomlinson’s performance metrics included a 56.8 overall grade, a 46.9 run-block grade, and a 70.2 pass-block grade, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). In 2023, he posted a 55.0 overall grade, a 49.6 run-block grade, and a 60.6 pass-block grade, per PFF.
Context for the Cowboys
– The Cowboys’ decision to sign Tomlinson came in the wake of a significant injury to starting guard Tyler Smith. Smith was slated for thumb surgery and was expected to be sidelined for roughly four to six weeks.
– Smith had recently signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension, making him one of the top-paid guards in the NFL.
– Tomlinson’s addition provides veteran depth on the interior line while Smith is unavailable, and it positions Dallas to manage the early-season stretch without one of their top linemen.
Jets and broader implications
– For the Jets and their draft-position considerations, the maneuver is symbolically meaningful: any downturn in Dallas’ early-season performance could impact draft positioning, particularly in relation to the Cowboys’ 2027 first-round pick scenario, which is tied to their standing relative to the Packers and other teams.
Summary
– Laken Tomlinson’s return to the NFL with the Cowboys adds veteran leadership and depth to an already talented offensive line unit, especially during a period when a key starter is sidelined. His extensive NFL experience across several franchises makes him a dependable option to solidify interior line play as the team navigates early-season challenges.
