BREAKING: 49ers Finally Cut Ties With Defensive tackle in cost-cutting move
The 49ers acquired Maliek Collins via trade last offseason, but after just one year in San Francisco, the veteran defensive tackle is set to move on. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Collins will be released. He had one year remaining on his contract, with a non-guaranteed $10 million salary for 2025. However, unless designated as a post-June 1 cut, this move will not create cap space. Instead, it will result in a $670K cost while leaving the 49ers with $5.43 million in dead money.
Using a post-June 1 designation would provide financial relief, but the savings wouldn’t be available until after that date. Since teams can only use that designation twice per offseason, and San Francisco has already planned to do so for Javon Hargrave, the team will absorb Collins’ cap hit immediately. Moving on from both Hargrave and Collins signals a significant overhaul of the 49ers’ defensive line.
The 49ers have struggled to build a strong supporting cast around Nick Bosa in recent years, leading many to anticipate major changes this offseason. Free-agent edge rushers Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos are potential cap casualties as the team looks to create financial flexibility for retaining key players and negotiating extensions, including one for quarterback Brock Purdy.
Collins, a former third-round pick, started his career with the Cowboys before spending one season with the Raiders and three with the Texans. He recorded five sacks in 2023 and matched that total as a full-time starter with the 49ers last season. Given his production, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports that Collins is expected to attract strong interest in free agency.
Collins finds himself in a similar situation to Jonathan Allen, who was recently released by the Commanders in a cap-related move. Both players are free to sign with a new team immediately, but interested suitors may first explore other options before committing to a deal.