Defensive lineman Arik Armstead is scheduled to become a free agent in March. The San Francisco 49ers want to do their best to make sure he doesn't play elsewhere.
"Arik's an excellent player. He had an excellent year," general manager John Lynch responded on Thursday when asked if the 49ers would consider using the franchise tag on Armstead. "I think everything is on the table. We want to find a way to keep him and make him a part of the Niners for a long time."
Armstead would like to remain with the 49ers, and said on Wednesday that he was even open to being franchise-tagged if it meant staying in the Bay Area. Most players want to avoid that and would rather seek more-secure long-term deals.
"I'm from Northern California," Armstead explained. "I've been here my whole career. I would love to be here, and continue my career here. I feel like we have a special team that I want to be a part of, and try to get back to the Super Bowl."
Armstead racked up a team-leading 10 sacks this season after tallying nine in his previous four seasons. He added two more in the playoffs after finishing the regular season with a career-high 54 tackles with two passes defensed and two forced fumbles.
John Lynch: 49ers paying Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Fred Warner were 'easy decisions'
By David Bonilla
Jun 12
While much has been said about the San Francisco 49ers' roster overhaul this offseason, the team quietly took care of business by securing three of its franchise cornerstones. The 49ers signed quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and linebacker Fred Warner to...
John Lynch pleased with Brandon Aiyuk's recovery, shuts down rumors of 49ers rift
By David Bonilla
Jun 12
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday morning and provided a promising update on wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who continues to recover from a serious knee injury.
Aiyuk suffered both ACL and MCL injuries in October and is not...
Christian McCaffrey addresses 49ers; John Lynch excited healthy RB is back
By David Bonilla
Jun 12
Christian McCaffrey entered the San Francisco 49ers' offseason program with a clear goal: fully recover from the injuries that sidelined him for most of last season and participate in every practice with his teammates. Mission accomplished.
Now healthy, the All-Pro running...
John Lynch admits 49ers' offseason strategy felt 'a little uneasy'
By David Bonilla
17 hrs
The San Francisco 49ers faced a pivotal transition this offseason, reshaping their roster-building strategy with the understanding that quarterback Brock Purdy's escalating contract would soon take up a much larger portion of the salary cap. That shift meant parting ways with...
