The Los Angeles Rams have already made moves to shore up their cornerback position this offseason, but there's always room for a little extra depth. So, should they consider bringing back a familiar face? Former Rams cornerback Tre Tomlinson is once again a free agent after being cut by the San Francisco 49ers earlier this week.
Tomlinson's NFL journey has been a rollercoaster since the Rams selected him in the sixth round of the 2023 draft. After a brief stint in Los Angeles, he was waived in March 2025 and quickly claimed by the 49ers—only to never see the field for them. Now, he's back on the market, and the question is whether a reunion makes sense for the Rams.
Let's rewind to Tomlinson's college days. At TCU, he was a star: an All-American and the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's top defensive back. His coverage skills were elite in college, but that success hasn't translated to the pros. During his rookie season with the Rams, Tomlinson appeared in 15 games but struggled mightily in limited defensive snaps. He allowed five completions on six targets, including a touchdown, and posted a perfect passer rating of 158.3 against him—a stat that speaks volumes.
Tomlinson's real value came on special teams. According to Pro Football Reference, he played 78% of the Rams' special teams snaps in 2023, compared to just 5% on defense. After a season-ending stint on injured reserve, he was released last offseason, only to be picked up by the 49ers and then waived again.
So, should the Rams give him another shot? Only as a depth piece. Based on his first go-around in Los Angeles, Tomlinson isn't a starting-caliber corner. At best, he could land on the practice squad, where his familiarity with the system—after two seasons with the team—could be an asset. Fans might cringe at the thought, but there's little harm in stashing him and seeing if he can develop further.
The Rams are in a much stronger position at cornerback this year, especially after double-dipping at the position in free agency. Bringing back Tomlinson would simply add to the depth, and he should only see the field in an emergency. For now, it's a low-risk move that could pay off down the line.
