49ers defensive tackles Arik Armstead - Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports
Breaking news out of the NFL on Sunday night as reports came in that the San Francisco 49ers will release defensive tackle Arik Armstead. The reports came in after the team asked him to take a pay cut. The team is also in the middle of asking another veteran player to reduce their salary. Here is a look at why the 49ers are releasing Armstead, and who they are asking to take a cut next.
49ers to Release Arik Armstead
Armstead has been with the 49ers since 2015 when he was drafted by the team. The 49ers used the 17th overall pick on him. He is the team’s longest-active player. That is until now. San Francisco is now set to release the veteran defensive tackles.
Armstead is a huge part of the 49ers run defense. There is a clear difference in the productivity when he is out. He sustained an injury against the Philadelphia Eagles in December and was out until the playoffs began. He then rejoined San Francisco, playing with a torn meniscus. Following the Super Bowl loss, it was confirmed Armstead had to get surgery on his knee. With the injuries and his cost, it is no surprise the team wants him to take a pay reduction.
Clearly, San Francisco could not get the deal that they wanted. The pre-June first cut does not clear up too much cap space, but it is something. The defensive tackle is set to make $17.41 million in 2024. The release is not officially official, but assuming it happens in the next couple of days, it will free up $2.5 in cap space. If it happens after June 1, it would free up $18 million, according to David Lombardi on X. The expectation is that the release becomes official soon.
Ahead of free agency, the defensive tackles in San Francisco are Javaon Hargrave, Kalia Davis, T.Y. McGill, Spencer Waege, and Ernest Brown IV. Look for this position to be a priority in the offseason.
49ers Ask Veterans for Salary Reduction
Another player that the San Francisco 49ers have approached is fullback Kyle Juszczyk. The veteran fullback is a valuable asset to the team and has a base salary of $5.75 in 2024. Juszczyk is crucial on the offense, and another player that has been with the team for years. There is no agreement on this situation yet but will be something to watch through free agency.
They have also supposedly asked offensive lineman, Jake Brendel to take a cut. This is just the beginning of free agency and all the reports that will come out of San Francisco.
