In a strategic move to strengthen their defensive line, the San Francisco 49ers have acquired Maliek Collins from the Houston Texans. With Arik Armstead likely departing, the 49ers were in need of a starting defensive tackle, and they found a reliable option in Collins.

Collins brings a wealth of experience with him, having started 46 games for the Texans over the past three seasons and recording 11 sacks during that span. Although he may not be on the same level as Armstead, who has been the leader of the 49ers' defensive line, Collins is a younger player at 28 years old, making him an attractive and potentially cheaper option.

One of the major advantages of adding Collins to the team is his familiarity with a similar system, having played in Houston last year. This means that he should be able to seamlessly adapt and hit the ground running in San Francisco.

With Collins in the mix, the 49ers' starting defensive line is expected to feature Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd at defensive end, alongside Collins and Javon Hargrave at defensive tackle. This lineup promises to bring an increase in pass-rushing firepower compared to the previous season, thanks to the arrival of Floyd, who has consistently recorded at least nine sacks per season over the past four years.

In terms of their roster construction, the 49ers typically keep 10 defensive linemen on their 53-man roster, dressing eight of them on game days. The secondary unit is shaping up to include Yetur Gross-Matos and either Drake Jackson or Robert Beal Jr. at defensive end, complemented by newcomer Jordan Elliott and Kalia Davis at defensive tackle. Gross-Matos also has the versatility to rush from the inside on passing downs.

From a financial perspective, the 49ers will inherit Collins' contract, which includes an $8 million base salary, $6 million of which is fully guaranteed. There is also a potential for Collins to earn up to $500,000 in per-game roster bonuses. This acquisition aligns with the 49ers' goal of becoming more cost-efficient at the defensive tackle position, as it might land in the ballpark of the pay cut they requested from Armstead, who was previously earning a significant salary of $17.4 million.

In addition to Collins, the 49ers have also added former Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Jordan Elliott to their roster, further solidifying their depth at the position. It appears that Collins is poised to take over Armstead's former starting role, while Elliott is expected to fill Javon Kinlaw's rotational job after Kinlaw signed with the New York Jets.

Overall, the addition of Maliek Collins brings much-needed stability and talent to the San Francisco 49ers' defensive line. With his proven experience and the potential for continued growth, Collins has the opportunity to make a significant impact and contribute to the team's success in the upcoming season.