SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers are making a significant move as they plan to release veteran defensive lineman Arik Armstead, according to a source confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Armstead, who is one season away from potentially earning a spot on the team’s wall of honor for players with at least 10 years of service, is set to become a free agent.
The decision comes after the 49ers and Armstead attempted to restructure his contract, but failed to reach an agreement. As a result, the team is expected to release him, freeing up approximately $18.2 million in cash for the next year. However, this move would also incur a dead money charge of $25.86 million, ultimately saving only $2.492 million against the cap with an immediate release. The 49ers could potentially save more than $18 million against the cap by implementing the post June 1 designation, which would spread the remaining dead money over future years.
Armstead’s 2024 salary cap hit is a substantial $28.53 million, prompting the 49ers to seek a reworked deal to alleviate the financial burden. Despite his productive season, playing in 12 games and recording 27 tackles and five sacks, the financial implications have led to the impending release.
As Armstead faces the prospect of entering unrestricted free agency for the second time, he is also recovering from a torn meniscus in his right knee, sustained during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 3. Despite the injury, he managed to return for the NFC divisional round win against the Green Bay Packers.
Throughout the playoffs, Armstead demonstrated his resilience by contributing 11 tackles, a sack, seven quarterback pressures, and a fumble recovery on 148 snaps. He remains optimistic about his recovery from knee surgery and aims to be ready for training camps in late July or August.
Originally drafted by the 49ers as the No. 17 pick in the 2015 NFL draft, Armstead’s career has been marked by injury challenges, prompting his transition from defensive end to defensive lineman. As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career, Armstead’s future in the NFL remains a topic of interest for teams seeking defensive talent.
