"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.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Will new 49ers WR Brandin Cooks play vs. Cardinals? John Lynch offers hints
The San Francisco 49ers recently signed veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the practice squad, allowing him to get up to speed with head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Shanahan has already suggested that Cooks is unlikely to suit up for this weekend's game against the... -
49ers' John Lynch addresses Mac Jones buzz and trade market plans
Significant chatter has surrounded San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones, largely because of the injuries to starting quarterbacks around the NFL during the first two weeks of the season. Some have wondered whether other teams have called the 49ers about Jones, who played... -
49ers' John Lynch on overcoming D-line injuries: 'I think we're equipped for it'
The San Francisco 49ers had to add defensive tackle Naquan Jones to the active roster and sign Viliami Fehoko Jr. to the practice squad this week as injuries have thinned their interior defensive line depth. Projected starting defensive tackle Alfred Collins was lost for the... -
49ers have strong reason to keep Mac Jones after watching NFL injury situation
The San Francisco 49ers aren't the only NFL team dealing with injuries this season. Four starting quarterbacks have already been sidelined through the first two weeks of the 2026 season. The latest is New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, who is believed to have suffered an...