Arik Armstead, a seasoned defensive end, spent nine fruitful seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. However, the winds of change blew him toward a new chapter in his football journey—the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Armstead harbors no animosity toward his former team, he candidly admits feeling “extremely disrespected” during the free agency process.
In a teaser video for his podcast, “Third and Long,” Armstead peeled back the curtain on his departure. The 49ers extended an offer—a mere $6 million for a one-year deal, with incentives potentially pushing it to $8 million. For a player of Armstead’s caliber, this figure felt like a slap in the face. His on-field performance in 2023—27 tackles, five sacks, and a defensive grade of 81.9—deserved better compensation.
“Not even just the type of player that I am, what I have committed to the game, what I have committed to my team, what I have committed to the organization and my community. I didn’t feel like it was representative of who I am as a player and a person.” — Arik Armstead.
Jacksonville Jaguars Arik Armstead on 49ers: I did feel extremely disrespected.
Armstead joined the Jaguars and Trent Baalke who drafted him this offseason. pic.twitter.com/OPAgJgiMty
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 28, 2024
Arik Armstead Choose to Bet on Himself
Armstead’s decision was clear: bet on himself. He ventured into the open market, where the Jaguars welcomed him with open arms. Their three-year, $51 million contract reflected his true value. The 30-year-old defender, drafted by Trent Baalke (now with the Jaguars), found a new home in Duval County. Armstead’s blend of power, agility, and leadership made him an attractive addition to Jacksonville’s roster.
Armstead’s departure wasn’t a bridge-burning exercise. He understands the business side of football—the cap constraints
talent abundance, and tough decisions. The 49ers faced a dilemma: balancing their defensive line talent, including Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave. Armstead’s departure was inevitable, but it didn’t dull the sting of feeling undervalued.
“If 32 teams had an opportunity for me to be on their team for $6 million, I think every team in the league would do that in a heartbeat.” — Arik Armstead
As Armstead donned the teal and black of the Jaguars, he carried with him a mix of determination and redemption. His journey from feeling disrespected to securing a lucrative contract exemplifies resilience. Jacksonville gains not only a formidable defender but also a player who turned adversity into opportunity.
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