49ers to release Arik Armstead after failed discussions on contract restructure [reports]

The San Francisco 49ers faced a tough financial decision this offseason. Unable to negotiate a salary reduction with defensive tackle Arik Armstead, who had struggled with injuries in recent years, the team decided to part ways with the longtime Niner. To mitigate the loss of Armstead, the 49ers traded a seventh-round draft pick to the Houston Texans for defensive tackle Maliek Collins. San Francisco's defensive line coach, Kris Kocurek, recently discussed the addition of Collins and what he likes about the defensive lineman. "I really liked him coming out of Nebraska — just the explosion that he can generate through his lower body," Kocurek told

The San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk are reportedly far apart in their negotiations for a contract extension. Both sides would love to reach a long-term deal, but it is proving more difficult than team decision-makers initially thought. Tight end George Kittle went through his own contract negotiations in 2020, signing a five-year, $75 million deal during training camp. Naturally, during an appearance on the "Dan Patrick Show," Kittle was asked if he has had any discussions with Aiyuk during this process and if any advice has been extended. "In all honesty, this is how I have treated all my teammates that go through contract negotiations. I shoot him a text,"

There is little expectation for significant progress in the contract talks between the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The next critical deadline for the team is the start of training camp at the end of July. Ideally, the 49ers want Aiyuk on the practice field with his quarterback, Brock Purdy, to continue building on the chemistry that led to Aiyuk's team-leading and career-high 1,342 receiving yards last season. Aiyuk skipped the 49ers' mandatory minicamp earlier this week, missing the two practice sessions that concluded the team's offseason program. This has subjected him to fines totaling $101,716, which will increase if he doesn't arrive for the start of training camp. However, his absence sends a strong message to team decision-makers: Pay up

Go back to the weeks leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft and you'll find rumors swirling about the possibility that the San Francisco 49ers could be trading one of their star wide receivers, Brandon Aiyulk or Deebo Samuel. Many believed that if a trade was made, it would happen before or during the draft. But the draft came and went, and neither player was moved. But here we are in June, and the rumors haven't died down—much. Aiyuk, after skipping OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and the mandatory minicamp due to a contract dispute, is reportedly "pessimistic" that a deal will get done. And of course, there are still rumblings from Pittsburgh Steelers reporter, Ray