49ers release Pro-Bowl Defensive lineman in surprising move!
Just one season away from potentially earning a prestigious spot on the San Francisco 49ers' wall of fame honoring players with a decade of service, defensive lineman Arik Armstead is poised to hit free agency.
As per a source confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday night, Armstead and the Niners tried to negotiate a restructured contract. Despite making strides, they couldn't reach an agreement, leading to Armstead's anticipated release and subsequent free agency.
Armstead's recent season saw him participate in 12 games, recording 27 tackles and five sacks. However, his hefty $28.53 million cap hit for 2024 prompted the Niners to seek a contract adjustment to alleviate the financial burden.
Although releasing Armstead would yield approximately $18.2 million in cash savings for the upcoming season, it would entail a $25.86 million dead money charge. An immediate release would only save $2.492 million against the cap. Alternatively, employing the post June 1 designation could grant the Niners over $18 million in cap relief by spreading the remaining dead money across future seasons.
In addition to contract negotiations, Armstead is recuperating from a torn meniscus in his right knee sustained during a December 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the setback, he returned for the NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers on January 20, contributing 11 tackles, a sack, and other defensive efforts throughout the playoffs.
Originally selected by San Francisco with the No. 17 pick in the 2015 NFL draft, Armstead shifted from defensive end to interior lineman in 2019, showcasing his versatility. His standout performance in 2019 earned him a lucrative five-year, $85 million contract extension in 2020 free agency.
Throughout his nine-year tenure with the 49ers, Armstead has played in 116 regular-season games, amassing 33.5 sacks. Beyond his on-field contributions, Armstead has made significant philanthropic contributions in both the Bay Area and his hometown of Sacramento. He has been the Niners' nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for the past four years.
Bleacher Report was the first to report Armstead's expected release.
| POLL | ||
12 MARS | 102 ANSWERS 49ers release Pro-Bowl Defensive lineman in surprising move! Should the Bears sign Arik Armstead? | ||
| yes | 76 | 74.5 % |
| No | 26 | 25.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
