Eric Tomlinson

Eric Tomlinson Bio

Eric Tomlinson (born April 22, 1992) is an American professional football tight end who has played in the National Football League since 2015. He played college football at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 263 pounds, Tomlinson has built a reputation as a reliable blocking and receiving option throughout his career. He has played for numerous NFL franchises and is currently a member of the Los Angeles Chargers organization.

Early Life and Background

Eric Tomlinson was born on April 22, 1992, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended Klein High School in Klein, Texas, where he played high school football. His performance as a multi-sport athlete at the high school level helped him develop the skills that would later translate to the collegiate game. Tomlinson’s combination of size and athleticism made him a promising prospect as he transitioned from high school competition.

After graduating from Klein High School, Tomlinson accepted a scholarship to play college football at the University of Texas at El Paso. He joined the UTEP Miners program and contributed from 2011 through 2014, developing his craft as a tight end against collegiate competition in Conference USA.

Path to the NFL

Leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft, Tomlinson participated in several pre-draft events to showcase his abilities to NFL scouts and teams. On December 11, 2014, it was announced that Tomlinson had accepted an invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, where he played for Team American under former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Holmgren. He participated in the game on January 17, 2015.

Tomlinson was one of 19 collegiate tight ends to attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. He performed at the combine and later attended UTEP’s pro day on April 9, 2015, where he improved his workout numbers. His times in the 40-yard dash and other drills at the pro day were considered competitive among his position group. NFLDraftScout.com ranked him as the 20th best tight end prospect in the draft class. Despite the solid pre-draft performance, Tomlinson went undrafted in 2015.

Eric Tomlinson Career

Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans (2015)

After going undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft, Tomlinson signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent. His brief tenure with the Eagles ended when he was released during final roster cuts on September 4, 2015. Shortly after, on September 6, 2015, Tomlinson was signed to the Houston Texans practice squad, where he spent his entire rookie season developing in the team’s system.

New York Jets (2016–2018)

Tomlinson was signed by the New York Jets off the Texans practice squad on November 5, 2016, a move that marked his first significant opportunity in the NFL. On September 10, 2017, in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills, Tomlinson recorded his first official receiving statistics with two receptions for 25 yards in the 21–12 loss. A significant milestone came on October 29, 2017, when he scored his first career touchdown on a 20-yard pass from quarterback Josh McCown during a game against the Atlanta Falcons.

The 2018 season saw Tomlinson become a more prominent part of the Jets offense. He played in 15 games with 12 starts, recording eight receptions for 72 yards before being placed on injured reserve on December 27, 2018. On March 19, 2019, the Jets re-signed Tomlinson, but he was released later that year on August 31.

New York Giants, New England Patriots, and Oakland Raiders (2019)

On September 1, 2019, Tomlinson was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants. His first stint lasted less than a month before he was waived on September 24. Later that year, on October 15, 2019, Tomlinson signed with the New England Patriots. In his debut game with the Patriots, he recorded one catch for one yard against his former team, the New York Jets. He was released by the Patriots on October 29, 2019. On December 11, 2019, Tomlinson signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he finished the 2019 season.

Second Stints and Baltimore Ravens (2020–2021)

On March 30, 2020, Tomlinson signed with the New York Giants for a second tenure. He was released during final roster cuts on September 5 but was re-signed the following day. He was released again on October 2 and re-signed to the practice squad before being promoted back to the active roster on October 6. He was ultimately waived on November 13, 2020. On November 23, 2020, Tomlinson was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster multiple times during the 2020 season, appearing in games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars. He was promoted to the active roster permanently on December 22, 2020.

On February 10, 2021, Tomlinson signed a one-year contract extension with the Ravens. He was released and re-signed multiple times during the 2021 season before being promoted to the active roster on November 11, 2021.

Denver Broncos (2022)

On March 16, 2022, Tomlinson signed a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos. He was released during final roster cuts on August 30, 2022, but was re-signed the following day, demonstrating the Broncos’ continued interest in his services as a depth tight end.

Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens Return (2023)

On May 3, 2023, Tomlinson signed with the Houston Texans for a second stint with the organization. He was released on May 18 but re-signed on July 24, 2023. He was released again on August 29, 2023. Later that year, on October 3, 2023, Tomlinson was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad for a second time. He was released on November 14, 2023.

Indianapolis Colts (2024)

On January 2, 2024, Tomlinson was signed to the Indianapolis Colts practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024, securing a spot on the roster heading into the 2024 season. He was released on August 27, 2024.

Los Angeles Chargers (2024–Present)

On August 29, 2024, Tomlinson was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on September 7, 2024, joining his thirteenth NFL franchise and continuing his journeyman career in the league.

Playing Style and Strengths

Tomlinson is valued in the NFL for his versatility as both a blocking tight end and a receiving option. At 6 feet 6 inches, he presents a sizable target in the passing game and uses his frame effectively to create mismatches against smaller defensive players. His primary contributions come as an in-line blocker in running situations and as a safety valve receiver on short-yardage plays. His experience across multiple NFL organizations has allowed him to adapt quickly to different offensive systems and coaching philosophies.

Notable Milestones

Throughout his career, Tomlinson has achieved several notable milestones including his first career touchdown with the New York Jets in 2017 and appearing in over 80 career NFL games. His journey through thirteen NFL franchises demonstrates his durability and ability to remain in the league as a reliable depth player. The 2024 season with the Los Angeles Chargers represents his most recent chapter as he continues his professional football career.

Eric Tomlinson Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2015 through 2024, Tomlinson has established himself as a reliable depth player at the tight end position. His career statistics reflect his contributions as both a receiver and blocker across multiple teams.

NFL Career Highlights

Tomlinson’s most productive statistical season came with the New York Jets in 2018, when he started 12 games and recorded eight receptions for 72 yards. His first career touchdown came on a 20-yard pass from Josh McCown during the 2017 season. Throughout his career, he has shown the ability to contribute on special teams and in short-yardage situations, which has helped him remain employed in the league despite constant roster changes.

Career NFL Statistics

As of Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season, Eric Tomlinson has recorded 27 career receptions for 280 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdowns. These statistics represent his contributions as a role player in various offensive schemes throughout his career with nine different NFL franchises.

2025 Season Outlook

Entering the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Tomlinson brings veteran experience to a tight end room that values leadership and reliability. His journey through thirteen NFL franchises has equipped him with a unique perspective on professional football operations and team dynamics. The Chargers organization benefits from having a player who has proven he can adapt to different offensive systems and contribute when called upon.

Tomlinson’s role with the Chargers is expected to center around his strengths as a blocking tight end and special teams contributor. His ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line and at tight end provides the coaching staff with valuable roster flexibility. As the 2025 season progresses, Tomlinson will look to contribute to the Chargers’ offensive plans while mentoring younger players in the organization.

His career trajectory exemplifies the journeyman path common among NFL players who excel in specific roles rather than as featured starters. The 2025 season offers Tomlinson another opportunity to extend his professional football career while contributing to a franchise with playoff aspirations.