Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports that the San Francisco 49ers are releasing 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
San Francisco acquired Collins, 29, in a trade with the Houston Texans last year, sending a seventh-round draft pick in exchange. In his lone season with San Francisco, Collins recorded 33 tackles (five for a loss), 12 quarterback hits, and five sacks over 17 starts, playing 67 percent of the defensive snaps, per Pro Football Reference.
Barring a Post 6/1 Designation, the release of DT Maliek Collins represents a $670,000 cap loss for the #49ers this season, as the contract holds $5.4M of dead cap against a $4.7M cap hit.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 9, 2025
San Francisco's defense struggled in the run game last season, earning a 54.6 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 28th in the NFL. The unit allowed 124.6 rushing yards per game (18th) and gave up 24 rushing touchdowns, the second-most in the league behind only the Dallas Cowboys.
After the season, the team parted ways with defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen and brought back Robert Saleh to replace him.
While Garafolo reports that Collins is being released, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area adds that the move is not yet official, leaving the door open for a potential trade if any teams express interest.
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
The Cowboys selected Collins (6-2, 310) out of Nebraska in the third round (No. 67 overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. Over nine seasons in the NFL, he has played 136 games (129 starts) and posted 239 tackles (51 for a loss), 88 quarterback hits, 30.5 sacks, four passes defensed, one interception, and one forced fumble.