According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, the San Francisco 49ers have released nine-year veteran Arik Armstead, making him a free agent.
Armstead’s release is a huge surprise. He has played a crucial role on the 49ers’ defensive line, particularly in run defense. In addition, the 49ers’ defensive line appears flimsy as they approach free agency.
It seems, though, that the 49ers preferred Armstead to accept a wage reduction. The 49ers reportedly requested Armstead to accept a pay reduction in exchange for staying on the team, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. He was expected to earn $17.41 million in the next campaign. Armstead turned it down and chose to become a free agent.
With $25.8 million in dead money, Armstead’s cap hit for the 49ers was $28.3 million. Armstead’s release is probably a post-June 1st cut. In this manner, the 49ers can divide the dead money rather than receiving it all at once for the current season.
With Armstead out of the picture, the 49ers will save $18.26 million. It won’t have a big impact on the 49ers’ ability to attract free agents. However, it does assist them in summer moves such as completing an extension with Brandon Aiyuk. It so happens that the 49ers play extensions at that period.
Aside from the money, this is a long-term smart move for the 49ers. Come 2024 regular season, Armstead will be thirty-one years old. It’s also obvious that his body is failing him. He is no longer a reliable player for the 49ers, which is probably part of the reason they asked him to accept the pay reduction. Because he is no longer available, he is not worth that salary.
The 49ers should probably take a swing in free agency or replace his gap in the draft.
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