When Robert Saleh left his post as the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator to take on the head coaching role with the Tennessee Titans, it seemed inevitable that some familiar faces might follow him. However, the flow of players from the Bay Area to Tennessee had been more of a trickle than a stream-until now.
On the eve of the NFL's new league year, defensive tackle Jordan Elliott is reportedly making the move to Tennessee. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Elliott has inked a two-year deal worth up to $8.5 million, reuniting with Saleh in the process.
This move didn't exactly come as a shock, especially given the lack of buzz from San Francisco about keeping Elliott. It seems the 49ers were content to let him explore new opportunities, which is significant news for another player on their roster-defensive tackle Alfred Collins.
Collins, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Texas, looks to be the biggest winner from Elliott's departure. Both players occupied the same role in Saleh's defensive schemes last season, but Elliott's 16 starts dwarfed Collins' single start. With Elliott now in Tennessee, Collins is poised to step into a more prominent role.
The real intrigue lies in how Raheem Morris, Saleh's successor, will structure the defensive line. Whether in base formations or nickel packages, Collins' development will be a storyline to watch. The 49ers have been high on Collins since his rookie season, often highlighted by TV analysts who noted the team's enthusiasm for their young tackle.
While Collins experienced the typical rookie ups and downs in 2025, the 49ers seem confident in his progress. If they weren't, there might have been a stronger push to retain Elliott. Instead, Collins now has a golden opportunity to make his mark on the San Francisco defense.