Arik Armstead has been with the San Francisco 49ers since the 2015 season when the team made him the No. 17 overall pick. He'll be with the team a lot longer thanks to a five-year extension signed last month.
Armstead has seen a lot of players come and go in his five NFL seasons. Chris Simms of NBC Sports asked him this week to identify the best players he's played with and against during that time, and the answer for the former may surprise you because the two weren't teammates very long.
"The best player I've ever seen on the football field, it was only for a week during my rookie year in training camp," Armstead said, "and that was Aldon Smith. Hands down the best football player I've ever seen in live-action. Just unblockable."
Smith, of course, after several off-the-field issues, was released by the 49ers on August 7, 2015. He spent part of the ensuing season with the Oakland Raiders but has not played since then. Smith is back in the NFL after the Dallas Cowboys signed him to a one-year deal earlier this month.
As for the best player Armstead has played against, that answer isn't too surprising considering the defender faces him twice a year.
"Russell Wilson is always tough to play against," Armstead said after some thought. "We've had plenty of battles. So I would say, consistently, he's probably the toughest because we play against him so much."
Armstead noted that offensive lineman Tyron Smith is always a challenge to go against, too. He also mentioned the Seattle Seahawks offensive line as a whole. What makes that unit so difficult to face?
"They just hold so much, and the refs never seem to call it," Armstead said with a smile. "I guess when you're allowed to hold, it gets tough out there, for sure."
NFL.com names Asante Samuel Jr. a great free-agent fit for 49ers
By David Bonilla
May 6
NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha recently highlighted the best team fits for several notable remaining free agents. Among them, he linked cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers.
Some expected the 49ers to use one of their early draft picks on a cornerback,...
Sights and sounds: 49ers rookies hit the field at minicamp practice
By David Bonilla
May 9
The San Francisco 49ers kicked off rookie minicamp this week, holding a practice session on Friday afternoon—the only on-field workout open to the media. Reporters in attendance captured several photos and videos, offering a first look at the rookies as they got to work...
PFF suggests 49ers add former Broncos, Vikings player to bolster obvious weakness
By David Bonilla
May 9
Pro Football Focus (PFF) analyst Mason Cameron recently outlined one final offseason move he'd like to see each NFC team make. For the San Francisco 49ers, that move involves strengthening the interior offensive line—an area that, aside from a seventh-round draft pick,...
Pelissero hints at potential timeline for Brock Purdy's new deal with 49ers
By David Bonilla
1 hr
NFL insider Tom Pelissero doesn't believe a contract extension between the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Brock Purdy is imminent, but he's confident a deal will get done this offseason. With the team yet to conduct a full practice and organized team activities not...