The San Francisco 49ers have been busy updating their team after a disappointing 2024 season.
The front office has focused on freeing up cap space so they can sign star quarterback Brock Purdy to the five-year, $265 million contract they agreed on last month. Now, the team is working to sign all their draft picks before training camp begins.
On Friday, the 49ers officially signed fourth-round pick C.J. West to a four-year, $5.21 million deal, marking another achievement for the front office.
However, one important draft pick remains unsigned: second-rounder Alfred Collins has not yet finalized his rookie contract with San Francisco.
San Francisco focused on strengthening their defense during the draft by using their first five picks to improve that area. Out of those choices, four were dedicated to positions in the front seven, and Collins was one of them.
He was a standout defensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns in college, and the 49ers picked him in the second round after selecting Mykel Williams in the first round. They hope these players will help solidify their defensive line for many years.
In 2024, Collins had his best season yet with the Longhorns. Over 16 games, he made 55 tackles, including six tackles for loss, one sack, seven batted passes, and forced a fumble.
At six feet five inches tall and weighing 302 pounds, Collins is a large presence who fills running lanes and draws attention from multiple offensive linemen when he rushes the quarterback.
San Francisco faces an issue because Collins has not yet signed his rookie contract. With West, another defensive tackle, having signed his deal, Collins is now the only unsigned draft pick from the team.
Many second-round picks around the league are trying to negotiate for more guaranteed money in their contracts, and Collins is among them, leading to questions about when his situation will be resolved.
“Now that West has a contract, only second-round pick Alfred Collins remains without a deal among the 49ers’ 2025 draft selections,” reported David Bonilla for 49ers Webzone after West’s signing was announced.
As of Wednesday, out of 40 unsigned rookies, 30 are second-round picks. This is largely because the first two players chosen in that round received fully guaranteed contracts. Seeing this, other players behind them want to try for better guaranteed money as well, causing a hold-up across the league.
Considering this, it isn’t overly concerning that Collins hasn’t signed yet since these situations usually get sorted out before training camp begins. However, the 49ers’ front office needs to find a way to get Collins to sign his rookie deal soon. If this delay continues, fans are likely to become more worried.
