The Houston Texans made a notable roster move today, waiving veteran guard Laken Tomlinson after 10 games and seven starts this season. It’s a decision that signals a shift in direction for a Texans offensive line that appears to have found its stride in recent weeks.
Because the move comes after the trade deadline, Tomlinson-despite being a vested veteran-will now go through the waiver process, giving other teams a shot at claiming him before he hits free agency.
Tomlinson, 33, has been a steady presence in NFL trenches for nearly a decade. A former first-round pick out of Duke back in 2015, he started his career with the Detroit Lions before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 for a fifth-round pick. That move turned out to be a win for San Francisco, as Tomlinson became a reliable starter and earned a three-year, $18 million extension after playing out his rookie deal.
Following his time with the 49ers, Tomlinson signed a three-year contract with the New York Jets in free agency. But that stint didn’t last the full term-he was released before the end of the deal. He then caught on with the Seahawks on a one-year, $1.2 million contract before landing in Houston for the 2025 season on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million.
This year, Tomlinson logged significant snaps for the Texans early on, starting seven games at guard. But as the season progressed, Houston’s offensive line began to gel with a different combination of players, and Tomlinson's role diminished. According to Pro Football Focus, he graded out as the 51st-ranked guard among 79 qualifiers this season-a sign that while still serviceable, his performance may not have matched the Texans' evolving expectations up front.
For Houston, this move likely reflects confidence in younger or more effective options along the interior line. And for Tomlinson, it opens the door to what could be another chapter in a career that’s already spanned four teams and nearly a decade of NFL action. Whether a playoff contender sees value in his experience and snaps him up off waivers remains to be seen, but he brings a résumé of durability and starting experience that could still appeal to teams looking for depth down the stretch.
In the meantime, the Texans continue to refine a unit that’s become increasingly important as they push toward the business end of the season.