Arik Armstead, former defensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers, recently expressed his feelings of disrespect after the team offered him a pay cut to play with them in 2024. Armstead, who recently signed a three-year $43.5 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, revealed the details on his podcast “Third and Long.” The 30-year-old player felt that the offer of a one-year deal worth $6 million with incentives up to $8 million was not representative of his value as a player and person.
Armstead had a strong 2023 season with the 49ers, recording 27 tackles and five sacks. He also contributed 11 tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery in the playoffs as the team narrowly missed out on winning the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite his performance, San Francisco decided to release Armstead before free agency began as they were unable to come to an agreement on restructuring his contract. With the presence of Javon Hargrave and Nick Bosa on the defensive line, the team simply could not afford to meet Armstead’s desired salary.
When presented with the offer from the 49ers, Armstead questioned his own performance from the previous season. He momentarily doubted himself, wondering if he truly deserved such a low offer. However, he quickly reminded himself that he was indeed a valuable player. Armstead had anticipated the possibility of not staying with the 49ers heading into the season, acknowledging the business nature of football. He understood that it would be challenging for the team to manage the salaries of two $20 million defensive tackles and a $30 million defensive end alongside other talented players.
Now, Armstead joins the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he will be a part of a defensive line that includes nose tackle DaVon Hamilton and defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris. The Jaguars have provided him with an opportunity to showcase his skills and continue making an impact in the league.
Armstead’s podcast revelation sheds light on the negotiations and financial decisions that take place behind the scenes of professional football. It offers fans a glimpse into the business aspect of the sport and how players navigate their careers based on their perceived value. While Armstead felt disrespected by the 49ers’ offer, he ultimately found a new home with the Jaguars, where he can continue to prove his worth as a player and person.
