Houston Texans trade defensive tackle Maliek Collins to 49ers

The Houston Texans are reportedly trading defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the San Francisco 49ers this week, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. The veteran defender is moving in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick.

Collins has spent the last three seasons with the Texans. He has produced for them, recording 107 tackles, 11 sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery from his interior defensive line spot. After the 2022 season, Houston signed him to a two-year, $23 million extension. The 49ers could use the tackle to fortify the defense, especially the run defense.

Collins played his college ball at Nebraska, where he earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors. He then went No. 67 overall in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft to the Dallas Cowboys. He played out his rookie contract with the Cowboys before going to the Raiders for one season.

So far in his eight years in the league, Collins has racked up 206 tackles, 25.5 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and six fumble recoveries.

Texans pick up veteran defender from Titans

This week, the Texans are signing veteran defensive end Denico Autry to a two-year, $20 million deal, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The deal includes $10.5 million guaranteed.

Autry, a Mississippi State alum, most recently completed his 10th season in the NFL. He previously spent the last three seasons with the Tennessee Titans.

He was an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State and was picked up by the Oakland Raiders ahead of the 2014 season. In 10 seasons, he’s tallied 310 tackles, 59 sacks, 42.5 tackles for loss and seven forced fumbles.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.