Rams claim 49ers rookie cornerback Jayden Collins

The Los Angeles Rams claimed rookie cornerback Jayden Collins from the San Francisco 49ers after the 49ers released him on Thursday during the final roster cuts. Collins, who was drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, had spent the preseason competing for a spot on the 49ers’ special‑teams unit. The Rams added him to their 53‑man roster, hoping his speed and coverage skills can fill a gap left by injuries to their secondary.

The 49ers’ decision to waive Collins was part of a broader strategy to trim the roster to 53 players before the regular season begins. San Francisco has already filled its top defensive back slots with veterans and high‑draft picks, and the coaching staff felt they could afford to let a young player go in order to create room for other positions that need depth, such as linebacker and offensive line. Collins had shown flashes of playmaking ability in a handful of preseason games, but the 49ers’ coaching staff believed his development would be better served elsewhere.

Collins played for the University of Alabama, where he recorded 45 tackles, five passes defended, and a forced fumble in his senior year. He was praised for his athleticism and ball‑hawking instincts, and he was projected to be a key contributor on special teams in San Francisco. The Rams, who lost two starting cornerbacks to injury last week, see Collins as an immediate fit for their coverage corps. Head coach Sean McVay said he was impressed by Collins’ work ethic in the rookie minicamp and believes he can help the team’s defensive backfield depth.

The rookie will report to the Rams’ training camp on Friday and will be evaluated in the first week of practice. If he continues to perform, Collins could earn a spot on the active roster and potentially compete for a starting role on special teams. For the 49ers, the move opens a roster spot that could be used to address other needs, and the team will likely look to add depth in the secondary or offensive line during the next round of free‑agent signings.