Fans are confused after the 49ers defensive star “decided to become a free agent.”
One of the defensive linemen for the San Francisco 49ers has decided to leave the Super Bowl hopefuls rather than renegotiate his contract, dealing the team a serious blow.
Arik Armstead, a defensive tackle with the San Francisco 49ers, declined to sign a new deal with the organization and will now be available as a free agent.
According to reports, Armstead turned down a pay reduction to remain with the organization and preferred to be released right away so that he could look into his possibilities when the free agency season begins this week. He also expressed no interest in renegotiating his current contract.
With 33.5 sacks and 88 quarterback hits over the last nine seasons, the 30-year-old has been a dependable interior lineman for the 49ers. This week, he’s 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 franchise may find it difficult to spend a lot of money on replacements. Armstead has started on the interior.
In addition to giving Bosa a huge contract, the Niners also need to be cautious since offensive players Brock Purdy and Brandon Aiyuk may seek 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 existing squad in order to free up money for free agency. As a result, Armstead’s departure does not provide much salary cap space.
The squad missed a chance to win the Super Bowl the previous season when Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs offense pushed 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 has 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.
Along with Armstead, Dre Greenlaw, another important starter for the Niners, will probably be out for the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon while sprinting onto the field during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss.
Since the Niners recently signed Bobby Wagner’s former teammate KJ Wright as their interior linebackers coach, there have been rumors that San Francisco may replace Greenlaw with free agent Bobby Wagner from their rival Seattle Seahawks.
