In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers are poised to reunite with a familiar face from their recent past. Laken Tomlinson, the veteran offensive guard who was unceremoniously waived by the Houston Texans just days ago, is on the verge of returning to Levi’s Stadium—where he once stood as a rock-solid pillar of the team’s offensive line for five dominant seasons. This move comes at a critical juncture for the 49ers, whose offensive line depth has been decimated by injuries, and it could be the spark they need to salvage their playoff hopes.
The bombshell dropped when the Texans announced Tomlinson’s release on December 2, 2025, following a season where he appeared in 10 games but started only seven— a far cry from his Pro Bowl form. The 33-year-old guard, who signed a one-year deal with Houston in the offseason, had been benched in recent weeks, paving the way for younger talent to emerge. But for the 49ers, this waiver couldn’t have come at a better time. With starting left guard Ben Bartch sidelined by a severe foot sprain—feared to be a Lisfranc injury requiring surgery—the team’s interior line is thinner than ever. Bartch’s placement on Injured Reserve means his season is over, leaving Spencer Burford as the primary option at left guard since Week 9.
Burford has held his own, but the 49ers can’t afford another injury. Rookie Connor Colby, who flopped in his earlier starting opportunities and has been relegated to healthy scratches, isn’t seen as a viable backup. Enter Tomlinson: a durable, experienced lineman who knows the 49ers’ system inside out. From 2017 to 2021, he started all 80 games he played for San Francisco, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 and providing steadfast protection during the team’s Super Bowl run in 2019.
His best years were undoubtedly in red and gold, where he anchored the line at Levi’s Stadium and became a fan favorite for his consistency and toughness.
Tomlinson’s post-49ers journey has been a rollercoaster. After leaving San Francisco for a lucrative deal with the New York Jets in 2022, his performance dipped amid team struggles. Stints with the Seattle Seahawks in 2024 and then the Texans in 2025 saw him battle inconsistencies and reduced roles. Yet, at his core, Tomlinson remains a proven starter with 162 career starts across 173 games, including playoff appearances. His release by Houston makes him immediately available—either via a waiver claim or as a free agent if he clears the process.
For the 49ers, claiming Tomlinson off waivers would be a no-brainer. He could seamlessly slide in as Burford’s backup or even reclaim a rotational spot if he proves he’s still got the fire from his San Francisco days. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, who coached Tomlinson during his peak, knows exactly what he brings: reliability, leadership, and a familiarity that minimizes onboarding time. “It’s like coming home,” one league insider speculated, noting that Tomlinson’s style fits perfectly with the 49ers’ zone-blocking scheme.
Of course, the 49ers might play it smart and wait to see if Tomlinson clears waivers. He’s not the hottest commodity on the market, and with his age and recent benching, other teams might pass. If he hits free agency, San Francisco could bring him in for a workout and sign him on their terms—perhaps a low-risk, prove-it deal to bolster the line without disrupting the current dynamic. Either way, this reunion feels inevitable. The 49ers’ offensive line woes demand action, and Tomlinson’s availability is a gift-wrapped solution.
As the 49ers gear up for the final stretch of the 2025 season, bringing back Tomlinson could be the bombshell that reignites their championship aspirations. Fans at Levi’s Stadium might soon see No. 75 back in action, reminding everyone why he was once an unbreakable pillar of this franchise. Stay tuned—this story is far from over.