Arik Armstead, a defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, declined to sign a new contract with the team and will now be available as a free agent.
According to reports, Armstead turned down a pay reduction to remain with the team and preferred to be released right away so that he could look into his options when the free agency period begins this week. He also expressed no interest in renegotiating his current contract.
With 33.5 sacks and 88 quarterback hits over the previous nine seasons, the 30-year-old has been a dependable interior lineman for the 49ers. This week, he is probably going to fetch a high price on the open market.
The Niners will now try to find a replacement for Armstead. This week, they also plan to let first-round pick and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw go undrafted. After giving Nick Bosa a record-breaking contract last offseason, the team may find it difficult to spend a lot of money on replacements. Armstead had started on the interior.
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In addition to giving Bosa a huge contract, the Niners also need to be cautious because offensive players Brock Purdy and Brandon Aiyuk may ask for a new deal in the upcoming offseason, where they may demand top dollar to remain in San Francisco.
Sadly, the Niners will still need to make cuts from their current roster in order to free up money for free agency. As a result, Armstead’s release does not provide much salary cap space.
The team missed a chance to win the Super Bowl the previous season, as Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs offense drove the team down the field for the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
The Niners could rework the contract of Javon Hargraves, who signed a massive contract with the team last offseason to partner with Armstead, even though they are probably losing him now.
With Armstead departing, Hargrave, who had seven sacks from interior positions, will be one of the line’s anchors along with Bosa as they look to maintain their status as one of the league’s most formidable defenses.
In addition to Armstead, Dre Greenlaw, another important starter for the Niners, is probably out for the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon while sprinting onto the field during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss.
Following the trade, it has been speculated that San Francisco will select free agent Bobby Wagner from the Seattle Seahawks to replace Greenlaw.
