NFL Insider Jordan Schultz said on Sunday that defensive end Arik Armstead of the San Francisco 49ers has chosen to become a free
agent and will be released.
As reported by NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco, Armstead was released after the 49ers asked him to accept a “significant” wage cut.
In 2024, Armstead was scheduled to begin the last year of a five-year, $85 million contract.
Since being selected in the 2019 draft, Armstead has spent nine seasons with the 49ers. In the previous season, the veteran recorded
27 tackles and five sacks. In the Super Bowl, he recorded six tackles and one sack.
The two sides “came close to a deal,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, even though Armstead eventually turned down the pay
decrease. Rather, Armstead will consider his alternatives in the market for free agents.
The 49ers would save $18 million in cap space if they designated Armstead as a post-June 1 designation. Their savings would be
limited to $2.5 million if the release occurs immediately. With $25.86 million in dead money, Armstead carried a $25.35 million cap
hit for the 49ers. A post-June 1 cut might split the dead money for San Francisco, according to Over the Cap.
The 49ers recently finished with a 12-5 record, which included a Super Bowl defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. With Armstead playing a
major role, San Francisco had one of the best defensive lines in the league the previous season. The 49ers will now need to sign a free
agent to replace his talent.
After almost ten years in San Francisco, Armstead will become a free agent and look for a new home.
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