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Former 49ers 2× Pro Bowl Agrees to Pay Cut to Return, Helping Team Overcome OL Injury Crisis

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The San Francisco 49ers are staring at a crisis in the trenches. With Spencer Burford (OT) placed on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury and Ben Bartch (G) also sidelined on IR with an ankle issue, the offensive line is down to emergency rotations. Rookie backup Connor Colby, tasked with stepping in for Bartch, has struggled mightily in protection—graded poorly in pass sets and unable to anchor against interior power.

Against this backdrop, the 49ers find themselves weighing a reunion with a familiar name: Laken Tomlinson. The former Pro Bowl guard, who started five seasons in red and gold and helped anchor Kyle Shanahan’s zone-blocking schemes, has indicated he would be willing to take a pay cut to return and stabilize the line.
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At 33, Tomlinson’s reputation is built not on flash but on reliability—clean footwork, heavy hands, and durability across a decade in the NFL. In a fictional conversation, Tomlinson puts it simply:

“Money has never been everything to me. My years with the 49ers were some of the most meaningful of my career. If the team needs me, I’ll take a pay cut to come back. Putting on that red and gold again means more than any contract number.”

The statement resonates with fans and teammates. For the Faithful, Tomlinson isn’t just another lineman—he’s a trusted enforcer from the trenches, someone who once set the tone on playoff runs with his consistency and poise. His return wouldn’t just fill a roster gap; it would signal that the 49ers refuse to let injuries dictate their season.

From a tactical perspective, Tomlinson’s addition is plug-and-play. He knows Shanahan’s playbook, understands timing in outside-zone schemes, and can stabilize pass protections immediately. His presence would allow Brock Purdy to step into cleaner pockets and give Christian McCaffrey’s run lanes a chance to develop. Importantly, he’d also shield Connor Colby from being overexposed, giving the rookie time to grow under mentorship instead of being forced into high-leverage snaps unprepared.

Financially, the mechanics are straightforward: a team-friendly contract with low base salary and incentives tied to games active and performance. With Burford and Bartch both on IR, roster logistics are already open for reinforcement if Tomlinson were to sign.

Inside the locker room, Tomlinson’s leadership could be just as valuable—correcting technique in practice, calming young linemen mid-drive, and providing the veteran stability that turns a desperate patchwork line into a functional unit.

For a franchise still locked on a Super Bowl window, the margin for error is small. And sometimes, the most important move isn’t the flashiest one—it’s the stabilizer. If the 49ers want to keep their championship hopes alive, a reunion with Laken Tomlinson might be the smartest, and most timely, answer.

Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”