Roughly 48 hours before their first game, the San Francisco 49ers received devastating news regarding their second-year nose tackle Alfred Collins. He reportedly tore his patellar tendon in practice and will miss the entire 2026 season.
Collins' absence furthers the team's need for defensive depth, specifically in the front seven. Rookie Gracen Halton is now thrust into an unforeseen starting role, and, needless to say, San Francisco will inevitably need more help in the trenches.
If they can't find what they need internally, the following three free agents could jump in and immediately give them the interior line boost they need.
1. DaQuan Jones
Jones is arguably the best defensive tackle still on the market. Just last year, PFF graded him 10th out of 134 eligible interior linemen. He is 34 years old, but San Francisco doesn't need a long-term option, assuming Collins makes a full recovery in time for next season.
The 320-pound bruiser is known for his run-blocking ability, as he began his career in the Titans' notorious pass-funnel defense. Given that the 49ers were mediocre at defending the ground game in 2025, the signing would make sense.
2. Larry Ogunjobi
Ogunjobi has played for many elite defenses in his career, most notably with the Steelers and Browns. Known for his pass-rushing presence, he could add some much-needed pressure on opposing quarterbacks, especially given that the Niners finished last in defensive sacks last season. Alfred Collins was more effective in the pass rush than stopping the run, so the addition of Ogunjobi could fill that void nicely.
Edge rusher Mykel Williams is on the PUP, Nick Bosa is recovering from a torn ACL, and rookie Romello Height has dealt with bumps and bruises all camp. It would make sense to fill Collins' spot with another pass rusher.
3. Derrick Nnadi
Nnadi, age 30, is the youngest of the three and has played his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs up to this point. Kansas City has been one of the league's best run stoppers in recent years, and San Francisco could recruit a player who spent years contributing to the unit.
Nnadi, though not highly touted by PFF, was a more effective pass rusher than Collins was last season and still has a few quality years left in the tank. There is an argument to be made that the mediocre veteran such would still be an upgrade over the unproven rookie Halton.
While the 49ers have yet to make a decision as to who will fill the defensive hole left by their sophomore DT, free agency might be the best route, especially considering that the team is nearing the end of its championship window. It's now or never, and they would benefit from bringing in an experienced interior defender who could make an immediate impact.
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