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Free Agency Looms for Arik Armstead After 49ers Fail to Restructure Contract
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Arik Armstead, the defensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers, is on the brink of free agency after the team opted not to restructure his contract. According to a source disclosed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, negotiations to revise the deal fell through, paving the way for Armstead’s impending release and subsequent entry into the free agent pool.
Armstead’s performance in the recent season included 12 games, 27 tackles, and five sacks. However, with a staggering $28.53 million cap hit for the 2024 season, the 49ers sought a reduction in this figure through contract renegotiation.
Although freeing Armstead would result in a $18.2 million cash saving for the team next year, a significant dead money charge of $25.86 million would ensue. Immediate release would only save $2.492 million against the cap but utilizing the post June 1 designation could yield over $18 million in cap savings by spreading the dead money across multiple years.
Armstead, who is also recovering from a torn meniscus in his right knee sustained during a game in December, expressed determination to return to peak performance in time for the upcoming season. Despite battling knee and foot issues post-injury, he showcased resilience by contributing significantly in the playoffs.
Originally drafted by the 49ers in 2015, Armstead’s transition to an interior role in 2019 proved fruitful, culminating in a lucrative contract extension in 2020. With an impressive track record of 116 regular-season games and 33.5 sacks, his impact on the team extended beyond his on-field contributions.
As a nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and a philanthropic figure in the Bay Area and his hometown of Sacramento, Armstead’s legacy transcends his athletic achievements. The impending free agency decision marks a pivotal moment in his career, underscoring uncertainty and anticipation among fans and league followers alike.
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