Defensive line depth is already of precious scarcity to the San Francisco 49ers in 2024.
With two-time Pro Bowler Javon Hargrave likely out for the season and Kalia Davis on injured reserve, the 49ers also lost tackle Jordan Elliott to an ankle injury on Sunday. That leaves them with only three healthy interior linemen if Elliott can't go.
The 49ers are likely thrilled that they signed nine-year veteran Maliek Collins this spring. The former Houston Texans starter has already recovered two fumbles this year, and is gluing the tattered defensive line together at the moment.
Unfortunately, Collins is also on a one-year contract, and could be gone at the end of the season. Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department predicted on Tuesday that he will land with the Miami Dolphins in free agency.
"The Dolphins have found good short-term interior defensive line options in Calais Campbell and Zach Sieler. However, Campbell is 38 years old, and Sieler isn't enough to make the interior good by himself," the authors said.
"Interior defense requires a good rotation, so finding at least one or two veterans who can re-stock the defensive line will be important. Maliek Collins has proven himself as a good interior pass-rusher and a passable run defender. The Dolphins could use both."
The 49ers may want Collins to stick around if he continues his strong season, but they may not have the money to do so. Quarterback Brock Purdy becomes extension-eligible this spring, which means his $1 million salary could jump to over $50 million.
Good teams find ways to replace good players, and the 49ers could easily do that with Collins. But the 29-year-old is proving to be a valuable member of a solid defense this season, and the Dolphins could be in for a steal.
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