The state of the 49ers 2024 defensive line room

The 49ers have experienced their share of departures this offseason, but none more than on the defensive line.

The San Francisco 49ers have revamped their DL room heading into 2024, for better or for worse. Six players departed the Red & Gold for new opportunities this offseason, leaving general manager John Lynch and others with gaps to fill. SF has succeeded in doing so in some aspects. But, in order to make another Super Bowl run next winter, they’ll need to replace some pretty big contributors on DL coach Kris Kocurek’s rotation.

The biggest loss of them all was Arik Armstead, departing the 49ers after nine seasons. SF saw other moves as well, with more expected to come on the horizon. Here’s where the 49ers DL room stands.

Arik Armstead’s thank you note, which specifically mentions 49ers DL coach Kris Kocurek: pic.twitter.com/ZRFJejOr8A

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) March 15, 2024

Who Left?

Arik Armstead

After nine seasons with the Red & Gold, Arik Armstead’s tenure in The Bay comes to an abrupt end.

Facing salary cap constraints, the 49ers attempted to rework the Sacramento native’s deal this offseason. Talks fell apart after the team only offered him a one-year deal, per the player. Wanted to test his value on the market, SF ultimately released Armstead, taking on a sizable amount of dead money for the time being. The move will save the 49ers $17.8 million after June 1st in 2024, and $14.8 million in 2025.

A few days later, he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year, $43.5 million deal.

Armstead, 30, leaves the 49ers with big shoes to fill, the team’s longest-tenured player at the time. He amassed 302 combined tackles, 33.5 sacks (10th in franchise history) and 88 quarterback hits. He was also phenomenal in the postseason, racking up 38 tackles and eight sacks (2nd in franchise history). He finished 2023 with an 85.6 pass-rushing grade, per Pro Football Focus.

Chase Young

A half-season rental for the 49ers, Chase Young moved on to the NFC South.

The former second-overall pick had a lackluster time in SF, struggling to find consistency. In 12 games played, he recorded only 3.5 sacks, 18 combined tackles and eight quarterback hits. Acquired at the trade deadline, Young was seen as a perfect partner opposite Nick Bosa on the defensive line.

Unfortunately, it didn’t work out in the end, with SF’s playoff win over Detroit giving glaring reasons as to why the player isn’t back in The Bay.

He signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the New Orleans Saints this offseason.

Javon Kinlaw

Maybe the biggest loss to the 49ers’ DL depth: Javon Kinlaw.

The 2020 first-round pick came into form in Year 4, playing in all 20 contests in 2023. Kinlaw posted career-highs in sacks (3.5), tackles (34) and QB hits (7). While the numbers don’t pop, the South Carolina native’s ability to stay on the field and have an impact was noticed by all.

He signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the New York Jets, reuniting with Robert Saleh.

Other notable losses: Clelin Ferrell, Randy Gregory, Sebastian Joseph-Day

Who Arrived?

Leonard Floyd

Probably the biggest addition to the DL room is Leonard Floyd.

Floyd, 31, has been a pillar of consistency in the NFL, not missing a contest in six seasons. He has also been extremely efficient, recording 38.5 sacks the last four years across two teams. The Georgia native has amassed 58 sacks, 370 combined tackles and 122 QB hits in his career.

He signed a two-year, $20 million deal with the 49ers this offseason.

Yetur Gross-Matos

An under-the-radar signing, Gross-Matos is an intriguing addition to the Red & Gold.

The Penn State alum has gotten better each of the last four seasons, posting a career-high in sacks in 2024. He finished last with the Carolina Panthers, playing in 12 contests. He recorded 4.5 sacks, 36 combined tackles and 10 QB hits. Listed as a defensive end, Gross-Matos can line up across the line of scrimmage, making him a versatile weapon for coach Kris Kocurek.

He signed a two-year, $18 million deal with the 49ers this offseason.

Maliek Collins (trade)

Seen as the likely Arik Armstead replacement, SF traded a seventh-round pick to the Houston Texans for Maliek Collins.

Collins, 28, has been a solid starter for Houston, playing the last three seasons there. in 2023, he racked up five sacks, 41 combed tackles and 18 QB hits. Seen as a three-down player, Collins’s success in both the run and passing game complements the 49ers’ scheme to a tee.

Additionally, the Nebraska alum has a reasonable contract for his level of production, set to have a $8.47 million cap hit next season. Collins’ deal also has an out in 2025.

Other notable additions: Jordan Elliott