Arik Armstead isn't a free agent yet, but he's expected to become one soon. The San Francisco 49ers plan to release their long-time defensive tackle after failing to negotiate a contract restructure with him.
Armstead, drafted by the 49ers with the No. 17 overall pick in 2015, has spent his entire career with the team. He was slated to earn about $17.4 million in base salary in 2024 and count about $28.4 million against the salary cap.
RELATED 49ers officially release DT Arik Armstead
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Armstead is expected to have multiple suitors, including the Tennessee Titans. The Titans' general manager, Ran Carthon, is familiar with Armstead from his time in the 49ers' front office (2017-2022).
Teams are expected to have interest in Arik Armstead, sources tell me one of them includes the Titans. GM Ran Carthon knows Armstead from his days in San Francisco. https://t.co/Q2l9dE1RuM
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 13, 2024
Meanwhile, the 49ers appear to have moved on, agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with impending free agent defensive tackle Jordan Elliott and trading for former Houston Texans defensive tackle Maliek Collins.
Armstead is currently the longest-tenured player on the 49ers roster. In his nine NFL seasons, the defensive tackle has racked up 302 tackles, including 43 for a loss, 88 quarterback hits, 33.5 sacks, six passes defensed, and three forced fumbles in 116 game appearances, with 97 starts.