The San Francisco 49ers have said goodbye to defensive tackle Maliek Collins, whom they acquired in a trade last season. After appearing in all 17 games and failing to impress, his contract was terminated.
Collins, 29, has played with the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans and the Niners over the course of his nine year career. He has proven himself to be one of the more consistent interior rush threats in the league. He just did not show it in San Francisco.
The 49ers have to negotiate a long-term extension with quarterback Brock Purdy. Every nickel they can squirrel away will help towards that goal. By terminating Collins' contract, they will save $3.5 million in cap space.
Look for the Niners to cut more fringe players as they need to accumulate enough cap space to satisfy Purdy's initial demand of a $60 million annual average value. The Purdy deal might also cost the 49ers from being big players in free agency which starts Monday with legal tampering set to begin.
Collins did not live up to the standards the coaching staff set for him. In 2024, he tallied 33 tackles, five sacks, 12 quarterback hits and recovered two fumbles. Decent statistics, but not up to par for the 49ers.
San Francisco also has a tough decision to make on tight end George Kittle. Kittle is playing out his final contract season as the 49ers have not negotiated an extension with him as of yet. Kittle just might be a free agent next season at this time.
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