Among others, this has involved the addition of linebacker Eric Kendricks and EDGE rusher Leonard Floyd.
San Francisco is now opting for a trade, as free agency is scheduled to commence on Wednesday.
The 49ers have acquired veteran defensive lineman Maliek Collins from the Houston Texans, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Houston receives a seventh-round pick in the NFL Draft of 2024 in exchange.
This occurs as the 49ers prepare to cut loose Arik Armstead, who has the longest contract, when the new league year starts.
Additionally, it happens the day after San Francisco signed Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Jordan Elliott.
After being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Nebraska, Collins has developed into a reliable starter throughout the course of his career.
Prior to the 2021 season, he joined with Houston, and for the duration of that time, he has been a full-time starter.
During the previous season, Collins started all 16 of the Texans’ games and set career highs in sacks (5) and quarterback hits (18).
Collins will now be a part of the 49ers defensive tackle rotation that includes Pro Bowler Javon Hargrave and the previously mentioned Elliott.
This upcoming season, Kalia Davis, a young player, could experience an increase in playing time.
Additionally, it wouldn’t be shocking if San Francisco used all of their first-round picks on this position in the 2024 NFL Draft.
For Houston, this may make it easier for Arm stead to be signed by head coach DeMeco Ryans and associates.
In 2021 and 2022, the former first-round selection worked with Ryans as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator.
