The San Francisco 49ers continue to rapidly reshape their roster ahead of free agency.
This time, they're undoing a move they made last offseason.
Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Niners plan to release defensive tackle Maliek Collins.
The #49ers are releasing veteran DT Maliek Collins, source says. Collins’ $10 million in 2025 comes off the Niners’ books as they reshuffle their defensive line. pic.twitter.com/vbFmMmsHPd
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 9, 2025
This move comes as something of a surprise, as despite his form being up and down, Collins started all 17 regular-season games and obtained a 67-percent share of the defensive snaps. That led to a stat line of 33 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, and five sacks, although he was frequently panned by the likes of Pro Football Focus for being part of a porous 49ers run defense, logging an execrable 42.8 run grade with them.
Collins was part of an attempt to restock the defensive tackle position last year, acquired for a seventh-round draft pick from the Houston Texans, led by former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, and would play next to fellow offseason acquisition, Jordan Elliott, for most of the season.
Now, it appears the Niners have come to the same conclusion their former defensive leader once did -- having Collins on the roster is of little benefit, especially considering the cost of his contract -- the team was due to pay him a significant amount, reported as $10 million, over the duration of his deal. There does not appear to be any cap saving associated with this move, unless it is designated as a June 1 cut, in which case $3.4 million would be freed up this year, according to Over The Cap.
49ers insider Matt Maiocco, however, refutes that Collins has been cut, and says the 49ers, like the Texans last year, will try to find a trade partner in order to get something back for Collins:
There are multiple reports the 49ers have released DT Maliek Collins. That move is not official, yet. The 49ers can be expected to first see if there's a team out there willing to make a trade for him. He started all 17 games and played 67% of the team's defensive snaps.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) March 9, 2025
However it eventually happens, Collins' departure leaves the 49ers with the aforementioned Jordan Elliott, Kalia Davis, and undrafted free-agent Evan Anderson at the defensive tackle position. This lack of proven talent suggests a possible move at the position during free agency or the draft, possibly someone like Michigan's Mason Graham, as predicted in our recent Niner Noise mock.
For former Nebraska product Collins, his next stop will represent his fourth NFL team, following the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, and San Francisco.
It's yet another slightly-surprising and cost-cutting move by the 49ers front office in the early knockings of the new league year. Who knows what might come next?