The San Francisco 49ers will release one of their star defensive lineman before the 2024 season.
According to Jordan Schultz, the San Francisco 49ers will release star defensive lineman Arik Armstead ahead of the 2024 free agency period.
Sources to @BleacherReport: #49ers star DL Arik Armstead has decided to become a free agent and will be released.
Armstead comes off a 6 tackle, 1-sack performance in the Super Bowl, and ranks 4th in playoff sacks among all active players.
His 8 playoff sacks rank second… pic.twitter.com/og5m3RsU3s
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 11, 2024
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that, per a source, Arik Armstead has declined a pay cut and will be released by the 49ers. Armstead was owed $17.4 million in 2024.
Arik Armstead has played a vital role for the San Francisco 49ers over the past nine seasons. He is coming off a 5-sack season from his interior defensive line spot. As Jordan mentioned, he was stellar in Super Bowl 58 with six tackles and one sack.
Armstead’s career with the San Francisco 49ers
Arik Armstead has played all nine seasons of his NFL Career with the San Francisco 49ers. He has posted 33.5 sacks from the interior defensive line, which is impressive considering the All-Pro defensive ends he has played with throughout his career. He has also tallied 303 total tackles in his career.
The 49ers drafted Armstead in the first round from the University of Oregon. He was drafted 17th overall. Arik started his career as a defensive end but moved inside around the 2019 season when the 49ers selected Nick Bosa in the first round.
Arik was drafted for his versatility and length. Armstead also played basketball at Oregon before the San Francisco 49ers drafted him.
Where does Armstead land?
Armstead will have many phone calls over the next few days. His veteran presence will be welcome in many locker rooms. We can assume his contract length will be shorter as a 30-year-old entering his 10th season.
His landing spot may depend on where former Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins signs. He is one of the most sought-after defensive players in the 2024 free agency class.
Some front runners for Arik Armstead are the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, and the Cleveland Browns. Many teams will be clamoring for Armstead, but these teams may be at the top of the list.
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