NFL Rumors: Jets to Release OG Laken Tomlinson, Save $8.1M in Salary Cap Space

Andrew PetersFebruary 27, 2024

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The New York Jets are releasing starting guard Laken Tomlinson, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The move will save them $8.1 million in salary cap space.

Tomlinson, 32, has been with the Jets since the 2022 season, signing a three-year contract worth $40 million. The 2015 first-round draft pick started his career with the Detroit Lions before joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2017.

Now released from the Jets, he will look for a new home.

According to PFF, Tomlinson played 1,099 snaps last season, which was the 14th-most in the league. He had a PFF grade of 55 and allowed seven sacks on the year, also continuing his streak of games started, reaching 114 straight.

Now, the Jets have a little more cap space room to work with heading into free agency. Picking up an offensive lineman will be a priority for New York, as the team gave up the fourth-most sacks this season with 64 and ranked 21st in rushing yards per game. With Aaron Rodgers back in the mix next season, getting a solid line in front of him could be the difference in whether the Jets are contenders or not.

There are a handful of offensive linemen the Jets could target in free agency. Mike Onwenu, Jonah Williams and Jermaine Eluemenor are all set to be free agents and could be viable options for New York.

The Jets could also target an offensive lineman in the draft with the 10th overall pick. Notre Dame’s Joe Alt and Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu are two offensive tackle prospects that could be available at No. 10 should the Jets decide to go that route. According to Bleacher Report’s 2024 NFL Draft Big Board, Alt is considered to be the No. 5 player in the draft and Fashanu is the No. 6 player.

Whichever route the Jets decide to go, their offensive line should be a priority this offseason.