Laken Tomlinson Named Texans’ Worst Free Agent Pickup
The Houston Texans made it a priority this offseason to reshape their offensive line, parting ways with former first-round pick Kenyon Green in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Although the team plans to add more help at guard through the draft, they brought in veteran lineman Laken Tomlinson on a one-year deal as a temporary solution at left guard for offseason workouts.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently reviewed each NFL team’s free-agent moves, naming their best and worst signings. For Houston, Tomlinson was tagged as the least impressive addition after struggling during his time in Seattle. According to PFF metrics, he ranked near the bottom among guards in pressure rate allowed, finishing just three spots ahead of Shaq Mason, who the Texans released.
The expectation was for Houston to revamp its interior offensive line via free agency. However, after trading away standout tackle Laremy Tunsil and former first-rounder Green, and cutting Mason, the offensive line seems shakier. Over the last three seasons, Tomlinson has only ranked in the 52nd percentile for pass-blocking on true pass sets and the 37th percentile in positively graded run plays.
Tomlinson earned a 62.7 grade from PFF in 2024, placing him 66th among guards. Now, he’ll line up next to veteran Cam Robinson, who is set to fill Tunsil’s role at left tackle. Last season, the pair combined to surrender 15 sacks and 41 pressures.
Alongside new faces like Tomlinson, Robinson, and Trent Brown — plus a rookie expected from the draft — the Texans have completely rebuilt the interior line to better protect quarterback C.J. Stroud. Head coach DeMeco Ryans is counting on these changes to push Houston toward their first-ever conference championship appearance.
While Houston also made notable free-agent additions such as wide receiver Christian Kirk and defensive tackle Sheldon, Tomlinson’s performance will be critical. He could either stabilize the line or become a major liability for the Texans.
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