3 former 49ers players who struggled with their new teams in 2022 season

To begin 2022, the 49ers suffered a lot of player losses in different ways. And while some found success in their new settings, these three undoubtedly failed.

A San Francisco 49ers player might do well to remain with his team, especially if he has the option of staying or looking for a better offer elsewhere.

When they are free agents, players can essentially do whatever they want. And if another team is prepared to outbid a player who will shortly leave the Niners in NFL free agency, then so be it. Furthermore, if a player is let go by San Francisco through a trade or roster cut, that’s it.

Former 49ers players have achieved success in their new endeavors. As an illustration, veteran running back Raheem Mostert, who spent practically the entire 2021 season with the Niners, recorded a career-high 1,093 yards from scrimmage in his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins in 2022.

Though Mostert might be an exception. It’s not always the case.

These three were among a group of ex-San Francisco players who left the team in 2022 and ultimately failed with their new employers.

Former 49ers RB Trey Sermon — Eagles

2022 stats: 2 rushes, 19 yards

Running back Trey Sermon, who the 49ers selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, ended up being a bust. A year after compiling just 167 rush yards for the Niners in his rookie campaign, Sermon was released.

Sermon was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles, so it stands to reason that he would gain from a new beginning somewhere else.

However, Philly only needed Sermon for two carries for 19 yards because they also had running backs like Miles Sanders and Boston Scott.

Former 49ers S Jaquiski Tartt — Eagles

2022 stats: Waived by Philadelphia prior to regular season

San Francisco ultimately decided to go with second-year safety Talanoa Hufanga rather than the seasoned pro in 2022.

According to the statistics and awards, it was the perfect choice. Tartt had to wait the majority of the offseason before signing with the Eagles, whereas Hufanga was named to the Pro Bowl and the first team All-Pro.

But his stay in Philadelphia was short-lived, as one of the 49ers’ most seasoned players was fired in August, just before the start of the regular season.

Former 49ers OL Laken Tomlinson — Jets

2022 stats: 1 sack, 32 pressures allowed

Pro Bowl left guard Laken Tomlinson left San Francisco for a large three-year, $40 million free-agent deal with the New York Jets, thus the Niners were unable to engage in a bidding war for his services.

Tomlinson’s Pro Bowl-like efforts obviously failed to translate to Gang Green.

With the 49ers in 2021, Pro Football Focus gave Tomlinson an outstanding 75.9 overall rating. The next year, however, that number substantially decreased, falling all the way to 56.8.

The 49ers chose Aaron Banks, a second-year pro, while New York is likely pondering why it overpaid for Tomlinson in free agency.