The San Francisco 49ers have made it official: the team announced the release of defensive tackle Arik Armstead with a June 1 designation. This means the $18 million salary-cap savings will hit the 49ers' books later. However, Armstead is free to sign with any team immediately.
While San Francisco approached Armstead about taking a pay cut from his scheduled $17.41 million base salary, a deal could not be reached, leading to the release of the team's longest-tenured current player.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that Armstead is drawing interest from multiple teams, including the Tennessee Titans, so the defensive tackle might find a new home quickly.
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The 49ers drafted Armstead (6-7, 290) out of Oregon with the No. 17 overall pick in 2015. Last season, he recorded 27 tackles, including four for a loss, 13 quarterback hits, and five sacks in 12 starts, per Pro Football Reference.
Armstead recorded 11 tackles, a tackle for a loss, and two quarterback hits in his three playoff appearances, adding a sack against Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl 58. It was later revealed that he played through a torn meniscus in his right knee, an injury sustained on December 3, 2023, against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In his nine NFL seasons, Armstead has amassed 302 tackles, 43 tackles for a loss, 88 quarterback hits, 33.5 sacks, six passes defensed, and three forced fumbles in 116 game appearances, with 97 starts. He has missed 13 games over the last two seasons.