The San Francisco 49ers have signed defensive end Arik Armstead to a five-year contract worth up to $85 million that will prevent him from hitting free agency on Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The #49ers are giving star DL Arik Armstead a 5-year deal, sources say, avoiding the franchise tag and locking him up long-term. He gets up to $85M on his new deal.💰💰💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
That is an average annual salary of $17 million. The franchise-tag number for defensive ends is $17.8 million, so there are some savings there.
Update: Rapoport reports that Armstead's deal includes $48.5 million in guaranteed money.
"We are very pleased to have come together with Arik and his representatives to complete this contract extension prior to free agency," general manager John Lynch said via a statement issued to the media. "Arik's physical tools and versatility have allowed him to be highly productive in our style of defense, and we look forward to watching him take his game to an even higher level as he grows within our scheme. Arik has been an impact player on the field and a difference-maker in our community, and we are excited for what the future holds for him."
The 49ers opted not to use the franchise tag on Armstead, believing they could get a deal done. The deadline to tag a player was at 9 a.m. PT on Monday. Armstead, a Northern California native, reportedly took less money from San Francisco for a multi-year deal to stay in the area.
Feeling on Arik Armstead: he made it clear he wants to stay with the #49ers. It's close to home, he's close with his teammates and they're contending. Staying would also make it easier to continue his charity work in Sacramento.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) March 16, 2020
"I'm excited to continue my career with the 49ers," Armstead said via a statement issued by the team, "the organization that gave me a chance by drafting me five years ago. I want to thank the York family, John, Kyle and Paraag for acknowledging what I've done, both on and off the field, for this team since 2015. They have given me the platform to give back to my community and play the game I love at the highest level, and I am just getting started."
Armstead, 26, was playing on his fifth-year option in 2019 and ended up having a breakout season. His 10 regular-season sacks led the 49ers, and the defender added two more during the playoffs.
The defensive lineman expressed interest in returning to the 49ers next season, even if that meant playing under the franchise tag, which most players prefer not to do.
"I would love being here," Armstead said during the week after Super Bowl LIV. "Trying to go back to the Super Bowl, so however that is seen or has to get done, it's not really my decision what they want to do with me."
The 49ers made Armstead the No. 17 overall selection in 2015 after playing college football at Oregon. He registered 54 combined tackles, two passes defensed, and two forced fumbles to go along with that sack total through 16 starts in 2019.
Armstead has recorded 152 combined tackles, 19 sacks, three passes defensed, and three forced fumbles through his five NFL seasons.