San Francisco acquired guard Laken Tomlinson from Detroit for…
San Francisco acquired guard Laken Tomlinson from Detroit for a 2019 fifth-round pick and received five seasons of durable starting line play. Tomlinson started 80 regular-season games for the 49ers, helped the club reach Super Bowl LIV and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. Detroit later used the acquired fifth-round asset in the trade for Damon Harrison, so the Lions generated real value, but Tomlinson's sustained tenure was stronger.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 2019 5th round pick (142nd overall subsequently traded, Ben Burr-Kirven )
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Laken Tomlinson
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Detroit traded guard Laken Tomlinson to San Francisco on August 31, 2017, for a 2019 fifth-round selection. Tomlinson had been the 28th overall pick in 2015 but had not established himself as a cornerstone with the Lions. San Francisco needed offensive-line help under a new coaching staff and took a low-cost chance on his talent. Detroit retained the future pick as flexible capital.
Why San Francisco Won the Deal
Tomlinson's career changed with the 49ers. He became a durable full-time starter, making 80 regular-season starts over five seasons and starting every game during San Francisco's run to Super Bowl LIV. His play improved enough to earn a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. Receiving that many quality starts from a former first-round talent for only a fifth-round choice is an excellent veteran acquisition, especially at an offensive-line position where continuity matters.
How Detroit's Pick Aged
The Lions did not simply lose the pick's value. Detroit later sent the acquired fifth-rounder to the Giants in the 2018 trade for Damon Harrison. Harrison was outstanding immediately after arriving, strengthening the run defense and giving Detroit meaningful short-term production before his performance declined in 2019. That downstream use keeps the Lions from receiving a poor grade, even though the original selection eventually changed hands again.
Final Verdict
San Francisco earns an A and Detroit a B. The Lions converted the pick into useful Harrison value, but five seasons and 80 starts from Tomlinson made the 49ers' return more durable and more valuable. San Francisco 49ers Win.