49ers’ D-line rotation taking shape after reported Collins trade

Another starting-caliber defensive lineman is heading the 49ers' way. San Francisco acquired defensive tackle Maliek Collins from the Houston Texans on Wednesday for a seventh-round draft pick, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area. Collins has started 117 of the 124 games (including five in the postseason) during his eight-year career. He played the past three seasons with the Texans, registering 11 sacks during those years. With the 49ers set to release Arik Armstead on Wednesday, general manager John Lynch has acquired two defensive tackles in the past two days to soften the blow of parting ways with the team's longest-tenured player. The 49ers reportedly reached a contract agreement with former Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Jordan Elliott on Tuesday. Contracts and trades are allowed to become official Wednesday at 1 p.m. Now, the 49ers have options at defensive tackle alongside Javon Hargrave, the team's big-money pickup in free agency a year ago. Hargrave, Elliott and Collins figure to see near-equal playing time this season. Hargrave is the most well-rounded of the trio. Elliott is best suited as a run-stuffer on base downs, while Collins brings a little more juice...