Maliek Collins was acquired via trade by the 49ers last offseason. After only one season in San Francisco, though, the veteran defensive tackle will be on the move this spring. 
Collins will be released, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. One year remained on his pact, and he was owed $10MM in 2025. The 29-year-old’s scheduled salary for next season was not guaranteed, but in spite of that fact this move (presuming it does not carry a post-June 1 designation) will not free up funds. Cutting Collins will cost the 49ers $670K while incurring a dead money charge of $5.43MM.
Using a post-June 1 designation would help from a financial standpoint, but the modest savings generated would not be available until after that date. Teams are allowed to use that designation twice per year, and it is already known the 49ers will do so in the case of Javon Hargrave. Moving on from him, along with Collins, will lead to notable changes along the defensive interior in San Francisco.
The 49ers have struggled to field an effective group of complementary options to Nick Bosa in recent years, and as a result many have pointed to the 2025 offseason as a period for several changes to be made. 2024 free agent edge rush additions Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos are potential cut candidates as the team looks to free up the required money for retaining other in-house players and/or working out extensions (such as the looming one for Brock Purdy).
Collins began his career with the Cowboys, and after a one-season run with the Raiders he spent three years in Houston. The former third-rounder recorded five sacks in 2023, and – operating as a full-time starter with the 49ers – matched that feat this past season. To little surprise, then, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports Collins is expected to generate a notable market as an early free agent.
Jonathan Allen recently saw his Commanders tenure come to an end through a cost-shedding move, and he and Collins are in similar positions based on age and track record. Both are free to join their next team at any time, but it would come as little surprise if suitors gauged the availability of other options over the coming days before committing to a deal.
This guy is tremendously underrated.
Seems like they had other options to save money. And they didn’t even do that here. I’m surprised considering all the other roster spots they will turnover.
They saved$10 million.
Bengals,where you at? We have to get some defensive lineman and you guys are standing around with your fingers up your noses.