49ers snag solid run stopper in team-friendly trade with Texans

The San Francisco 49ers have made a trade with the Houston Texans for nose tackle Maliek Collins.

The Niners are reportedly giving up a seventh-round pick in exchange for Collins, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter:

This is just the latest move the Niners have made to remake their defensive line.

49ers snag Maliek Collins in team-friendly trade with Texans

This trade comes on the heels of San Francisco making several defensive line signings, including Leonard Floyd, Jordan Elliott, and Yetur Gross-Matos.

While Javon Kinlaw, Clelin Ferrell, and (most likely) Arik Armstead are all leaving the Bay Area, the 49ers have made sure to replace them right away.

Collins had a solid 2023, recording 41 tackles and five sacks in 16 games started at nose tackle for the Texans. His reputation is primarily as a run-stopper, but those five sacks from last season inspire confidence that he can be a solid pass-rush threat as well.

The 49ers got Collins for a pretty great deal considering they only had to give up a seventh-round pick. They will still take on his $8 million salary for 2024, but it seems like former Niners defensive coordinator and current Texans coach DeMeco Ryans gave his former employer a bit of a sweetheart deal.

This move makes a lot of sense given the fact that the run defense for the 49ers struggled a lot at times last season. When injuries cropped up on the defensive line in the second half of the season, opposing defenses had their way running the ball against the Niners. This trend continued in the postseason as well.

Typically, the 49ers are known as a team that stops the run. It is clear that they are trying to get back to that identity going into next season.

They may not be done adding to the D-line either. San Francisco Chronicle writer Mike Silver said as much in a recent social media post.

The 49ers have made clear that they want to revamp their defensive line next season. While we will have to wait and see how the moves pan out, on paper it seems like the Niners are getting several players who will help make their defensive line a key strength rather than a question mark next season.

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