San Francisco 49ers Bolster Defensive Line with New Acquisitions
ICARO Media Group
In a move to strengthen their defensive line, the San Francisco 49ers have made several acquisitions during the off-season. The team announced that they have acquired DL Maliek Collins from the Houston Texans, signed DL Jordan Elliott and DL Yetur Gross-Matos to two-year deals, and re-signed DL Kevin Givens to a one-year contract.
Collins, a seasoned player with eight years of experience, was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Throughout his career with the Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, and Houston Texans, Collins has appeared in 119 games, starting 112 of them. He has recorded impressive stats, including 206 tackles, 46 tackles for loss, and 25.5 sacks. In the 2023 season with the Texans, Collins started all 16 games, registering a career-high 41 tackles and 5.0 sacks.
Joining the 49ers is DL Jordan Elliott, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In his four-year career with the Browns, Elliott has played in 66 games, starting 35 of them. He has accumulated 98 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and eight tackles for loss. In the 2023 season, Elliott had a career-high 2.5 sacks.
Another new addition to the defensive line is DL Yetur Gross-Matos, who was originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Gross-Matos has played in 55 games, starting 32 of them, and has recorded 142 tackles, 13.0 sacks, and 19 tackles for loss during his four-year career with the Panthers. In the 2023 season, Gross-Matos had a career-high 4.5 sacks.
The 49ers have also secured the services of DL Kevin Givens, who has been with the team since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Givens has played in 57 games, starting 13 of them, and has contributed with 80 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 16 tackles for loss in his five seasons with the team. In the 2023 season, Givens recorded a career-high 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
The acquisitions of Collins, Elliott, Gross-Matos, and the re-signing of Givens demonstrate the 49ers' commitment to strengthening their defensive line for the upcoming season. With their combined experience, talent, and playmaking abilities, these additions are expected to make a significant impact on the team's defense.
The 49ers' defensive line has undergone a notable transformation, adding depth and versatility to their roster. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the start of the season to see how these new acquisitions will contribute to the team's success on the field.
Sources within the 49ers organization confirm that these acquisitions are part of their strategic plan to build a formidable defense. With the NFL Draft and training camp still to come, it remains to be seen if the team will make further moves to bolster their roster before the start of the regular season.