Both figuratively and literally.
The 49ers made a difficult decision when the team parted ways with long-time defensive lineman Arik Armstead. Following a restructuring attempt, the team released Armstead, leaving a void at defensive tackle, particularly in run defense. Armstead reunited with Trent Baalke in Jacksonville, and the 49ers signed former Houston defensive tackle Maliek Collins.
The strategy will be leaning on a few players to replace Armstead with the additions of Jordan Elliott and Yetur Gross-Matos this offseason. The rotation will be as important as ever for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, which relies on pressure from the defensive line.
Collins met with the media after the first day of pads and spoke about working with Kris Kocurek, the nearly seamless transition from DeMeco Ryans’ system in Houston to San Francisco, and filling in for the long-time 49er Armstead.
“It’s been the exact same verbiage and everything,” Collins said of the transition from Houston to San Francisco.
When asked about replacing Arik Armstead, Collins said: “That’s big shoes to fill. I see what he meant to the organization and what he meant to this community, being from Sac (Sacramento). Somebody I have a lot of respect for. I’m just here to be the best version of me.”
Armstead responded to the sound bite from Collins on Twitter saying: “Never met you but respect your game. Don’t let them create that narrative. Have a great season bro!”
Never met you but respect your game . Don’t let them create that narrative. Have a great season bro ! https://t.co/JJoO0dC0w3
— Arik Armstead (@arikarmstead) July 30, 2024
Collins finished up speaking about Kris Kocurek, saying: “I’ve been close with some players who have played for him in the past. Kerry Hyder has played for him in the past. He came over to Houston last year, he basically told me exactly how it was. Javon, as well. Just seeing those two guys and what they say about Kris. Then, coming into the meetings and it’s the exact same, the intensity, the attention to detail. I’m thrilled to see how the season goes.”
It will take a rotation of players to replace Armstead’s impact, but Collins has been prepared, working with Ryans and learning from others. The transition shouldn’t take long for Collins to make his mark on the 49ers.