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.