Sunday, March 10, 2024

Arik Armstead Bids Farewell

 


Source: The 49ers approached Arik Armstead about accepting a significant pay cut from his scheduled salary of $17.41 million. He declined, so the 49ers are set to release him and he will become a free agent.

91 comments:

  1. WOW!!! I wonder whether they will replace him through free agency or a first round pick. I bet they pick up two DTs in free agency and one through the draft. It worries me that now they wont either sign a big time DE FA or a high draft pick at DE

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's going to be interesting to see what they do. Post June 1st release makes the most sense, otherwise it'll be $25 mill dead cap hit saving them just over $2 mill.

      Delete
    2. OldCoach
      I'd like to see the 9ers draft T'Vondre Sweat, Texas and sign
      F/A Christian Wilkins, if they can sign him for ~$20 mil P/Y.
      I think what they do, will depend on how much they spend on
      signing their own free agents and how much they think they can depend on Kinlaw and Givens.

      Delete
  2. Gets spread out over 2 yrs if a post June 1 cut, $10.3m in 24 and $17m in 25.

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  3. WHO WAS IT THAT SAID I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT LAST WEEK WHEN I BROUGHT UP CUTTING ARMSTEADS PAY, OR RELEASING HIM?

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    Replies
    1. I didn't say that nor did I read your post. But if you said that, good call. I think it was time to move on from him. I also said that in 2018 it was a mistake to let go of Buckner. Buckner's availability at that time was almost every game whereas, IIRC, Armstead was typically injured most years at some point.

      Delete
  4. They don't make this move without a plan to replace him.

    I expect a couple of decent DL to be added in FA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Scooter
      Any DT F/A names you think the 9ers will sign? Christian Wilkins for ~$20+ Mil P/Y? Other teams will be bidding to sign him.
      Maybe DL Sheldon Rankins for ~$10 Mil P/Y?

      Delete
    2. GEEP, I reckon they put more money at a top DE than a top DT. I suspect the rumours of strong interest in DJ Jones are true. And there is a lot of quality DEs available.

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    3. Scooter
      * Hard to know what the 9ers will do until we know the F/A
      the 9ers sign (their own and from other teams)
      * I agree with you on DJ Jones. Would like to see the 9ers resign him if he'll sign a 2-3 year contract for ~$10 Mil. P/Y?
      Your thoughts on his contract $$?
      * I don't see the 9ers resigning DE Chase Young for ~$13 Mil P/Y, but likely some team will. You agree?
      * RE DE / DT: From the mock draft boards I'm looking at, the
      9ers would have to trade up Rd #1 for a top DE. But Chris Braswell EDGE, Alabama is available mid Rd #2.
      * Same with a top OT, 9er will have to trade up for top OT, but
      several in Rd #2: Kingsley Suamataia, BYU.....Jordan Morgan, Arizona.....

      Delete
  5. I like this move.

    It's a business. Great player and did more for the community than anyone, but productivity was declining. So right move.

    Have to get cheaper at D-Line, now that we pay Bosa and Hargrave the big bucks. Will double dip D-Line in FA and Draft now.

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  6. The draft I believe could be replacement and very possible day one starter is Justin "Cowboy" Smith 2.0, Bradan Fiske from FSU. But unfortunately, he will be gone at #31.

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  7. I worry that if they do a total defensive line rebuild that will mean no real changes on the O line. The only returning D linemen are Bosa, Hargrave, Davis, Jackson and Beal. Not counting PS players they will need to add 4 defensive linemen two of them starters and thats saying that Jackson and Davis aren't camp cuts. They could try to rebuild both O and D lines but trying to rebuild both in the same off season isn't very likely

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    Replies
    1. OC, I suspect starting DE and DT will be added in FA. OL will largely be addressed through the draft.

      Delete
  8. I don't know how much Ruke Orhorhoro's combine performance moved him up in the draft, he was looked at as a 3rd round pick before the combine. I think the 9ers could get him in the early 2nd. If they traded back from 31 to around 40 they could draft Orhorhoro and add up a pick at the top of the 4th. If they plan on a total rebuild of the D line and rebuilding the right side of the O line they will need as many picks as they can get.

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  9. Interested to see which other players they have asked to take a pay cut. Rumours are Juice has been. Wouldn't be shocked if Greenlaw is asked as well... and possibly Kittle.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm hearing the Niners are working to extend Kinlaw.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not crazy about extending Kinlaw. While he showed some flashes in 23, his history of injuries are like a rain cloud waiting pour. I'm not convinced that the 49ers are truly high on Kinlaw as they are with saving money on a FA.

      Delete
    2. Razor
      Kinlaw reached agreement on a one-year deal with NYJ

      Delete
  11. The #49ers officially restructured Fred Warner’s contract last week, converting majority of his base salary into bonuses, per
    @mattbarrows

    ReplyDelete
  12. The #49ers are re-signing QB Brandon Allen, per
    @RapSheet

    ReplyDelete
  13. Interested to know if Armstead is allowed under league rules to negotiate if he gets the June 1st designation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Razor
      Isn't that up to the team if a player is still under contract? If the
      team gives them permission, then they're free to negotiate?
      That appears to be the case with Russell Wilson and Steelers?

      Delete
    2. Geep,
      The difference is the Broncos released Wilson immediately. The 49ers haven't announced whether they are releasing Armstead today or waiting untill June 1.

      Delete
    3. Christian Wilkins agreed to terms with the Raiders on a 4 year, $110 million contract that includes $84.75 million in guaranteed money.
      Christian Wilkins can be crossed off the list of splash signings the 9ers might have made to bolster their D line, after Arik Armstead's expected release.

      Delete
    4. Pretty sure Armstead can sign with any team as soon as the release is finalised on day 1 of FA (even though it will be designated a post June 1 release).

      Delete
  14. COULD IT HAPPEN?
    Bosa brothers' mom excitedly pleads for sons' 49ers union in IG post
    https://sports.yahoo.com/bosa-brothers-mom-excitedly-pleads-182828932.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please, no. The idea of this sounds good, but it wouldn't be worth it, if it potentially causes an issue with locker-room/FO environment when families are involved.
      Also, has Joey played a full season in his NFL career?

      Delete
    2. On further review. Joey has had 3, 16 game seasons. He played 9 games last season and had 6.5 sacks. He seems to be on the decline. But, if he comes cheap, I'll be OK with it.

      Delete
    3. If you're cutting Armstead in part due to injuries/ availability, you can't turn around and sign Joey Bosa to a big deal.

      Only way I would sign Joey is if it was a pretty low base salary, + playing time/ performance incentives.

      Delete
  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  16. Examining 49ers' possible salary reductions, contract restructures
    per Matt Maiocco
    https://sports.yahoo.com/examining-49ers-possible-salary-reductions-162303469.html
    * Players Included are Arik Armstead, Kyle Juszczyk, Trent Williams, Deebo Samuel, Fred Warner, George Kittle, Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, Christian McCaffrey and Nick Bosa....

    ReplyDelete
  17. Woener goes back home to Georgia by way of the Falcons.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sinnott or Reimen. Sinnott is Kittle 2.0 and Reimen is a Mark Andrew clone.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Leonard Floyd to the 9ers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ian Rapoport
      @RapSheet
      ·
      5m
      Source: The #49ers are signing Leonard Floyd. Big-time edge help.

      Delete
    2. 2 year $20 Mil for Floyd...IMO, a better DE than Chase Young and ~$3 Mil P/Y lower salary.

      Delete
    3. OldCoach
      The 9ers also signed Yetur Gross-Matos.
      * The San Francisco 49ers are stocking up on edge rushers. NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reports that the team is signing impending Carolina Panthers free agent defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos to a two-year, $18 million deal. The move can be finalized on Wednesday at the start of the new league year.
      https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/179227-49ers-signing-panthers-gross-matos-2-year/

      Delete
  20. Floyd is a great signing. He is a 3 down DE. Now they move on to DT.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed. Very nice signing. And at $10M per year, not breaking the bank. $12M guaranteed year 1, I expect a lot of that will be signing bonus which is pro-rated over some added void years. Wouldn't be surprised if his cap hit is only around $5M this year.

      Delete

  21. Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    ·
    6m
    He gets a 2-year, $20M deal worth up to $24M, source said. He gets $12M guaranteed in year 1.

    ReplyDelete
  22. A couple of cheap DTs available Calais Campbell and A'Shaun Robinson. I wonder if Floyd is their one big signing?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd be shocked if they don't add at least one starting calibre DT.

      Delete
    2. Coach,
      I hope not. Whose on the 49ers roster that could that can make a seemless replacement for Armstead? I don't think that Kinlaw is that player if he's the guy going forward.

      Delete
  23. I wonder if D J Jones has anything left.

    ReplyDelete
  24. It's a controversial pick at 31. But, I would draft DT Braden Fiske and not look back. He would be an instant and productive replacement for Armstead. And, come with a rookie contract for a few years.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Replies
    1. Yeah, I'd take Orhorhoro over Fiske.

      I mean... isn't Fiske basically Solomon Thomas?

      Orhorhoro just moves different for a guy his size. Very fluid and flexible.

      Delete
    2. Ruke does look good. I just don't see the same explosion off the line like Fiske. But, if Ruke can be the day one starter, I wouldn't mind.

      Delete
    3. Scooter, yep and I learned my lesson.

      Delete
  26. Evidently Armstead may not be done with the 9ers. By releasing him it gives Armstead the opportunity to see what his true value is, he is continuing to negotiate with the 9ers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sweet. Hopefully they can come to an agreement for him to stick around.

      Delete
  27. I have looked at any number of draft sites and none of them have moved Orhorhoro up their boards. He was considered a 3rd round pick before the combine and hasn't moved up since the combine. I thoght he would have moved up into the top 10 or 15 of the 2nd round. I wonder where he will go?

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm getting the feeling its gonna be a trade up for Murphy III, DT, Texas in the 20's. They replaced Buckner with pick 14. It's a critical position and they'll want a 3 down DT.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unless they add OL in FA, I still think OL is the most likely pick in the first round. But I'd be happy with a DT. So long as they focus on building the trenches I will be happy.

      Delete
    2. Well, they were missing 6 DL before Armstead.

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    3. Not missing anyone but Feliciano on the OL.

      Delete
    4. I'm betting they address OL later to develop over the next 2 years.

      Delete
  29. Murphy III, would be a good pick. If he's out of the 49ers range, I like Jer'Zhan Newton if the 49ers are going to trade up. My thinking is that Fiske will be there at 31.

    ReplyDelete
  30. If Newton is still on the board at 31, he definitely becomes my choice over Fiske. But, I doubt Newton falls out of the 1st rd.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wow, Al-Shaair is getting more per year than Floyd. Didn't think it was likely the 49ers could be a legit landing spot for him.

    ReplyDelete

  32. Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    ·
    2m
    More edge help: The #49ers are signing #Panthers FA DE Yetur Gross-Matos to a 2-year deal worth $18M, source said.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's your big DE. No Joey Bosa or Khalil Mack.

      Delete
    2. Never heard of Gross-Matos. Checked his stats and nothing jumps out that indicates he's worth about $9 million per year on average. What do you guys like about him?

      Delete
    3. Now they need a stud DT with a nasty disposition.

      Delete
    4. Base DE that set the edge, Cubus and offers some pass rush ability. Nice long arms too.

      Delete
    5. The contract is probably performance based to max out at that price. Wait until we see the details before making a fiscal assessment.

      Delete
    6. Cubus, he is a really good athlete with excellent size that was raw coming out of college in the 2020 draft. He took a while to develop, but started coming good the last two years. This is a guy that is ascending. And as razor said, there are likely incentives involved to reach the $18M.

      I see this is a similar move to the trade for Omenihu. Physically gifted athlete with upside.

      Delete
  33. Secondary signing should be next on the docket.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I think Gross-Matos was a player in the draft they brought in for a visit too. Gotta believe Kocurek can coax a little more out of him.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Current DT room:

    Javon Hargrave
    Kalia Davis
    TY McGill
    Spencer Waege

    ReplyDelete
  36. I wonder if they're betting heavily that there won't be a market for AA and he'll be willing to come back on a team-friendly deal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Could be and also could be they're betting that Aiyuk doesn't have a big market due to the depth in the draft. Who's gonna want to pay him over 25 million and a first round draft pick? The Niners probably want him at 22 million.

      Delete
    2. Would you take Tee Higgins over Aiyuk?

      Delete
    3. I don't think AA is coming back cubus. Would be happy either way, but we should get younger and faster on the D-Line.

      Delete
  37. Floyd is an iron man and is also very productive. Sneaky good signing there. Only downside is that he is aging, so hope the coaches balance the snap count, and keep Floyd fresh for the playoffs.

    Yetur-Gross Matos is also a player I like. I would say his prime years are ahead...and no better coach than Kocurek to coax it out of him.

    On a related note, this season would be all about developing Drake Jackson and Robert Beal.

    I'm thinking we make maybe one more low-key signing at DT, deep in FA and look to double dip in the draft.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mug,
      I think Gross-Matos is this years Clelin Ferrell and if he works out as well as Ferrell he will be well worth the signing.

      Delete
    2. Yes, would love to have Ferrell resign. I think there is a good chance that Ferrell and Givens will resign during the second wave of FA.

      On a side note, Kinlaw signs with the Jets. Best of luck for him. One DT I was hoping we would look into was Denico Autry....but Demeco got him. :)

      Delete
  38. I think there is a very good chance they bring Armstead back. It will have to be a heavily incentive laden contract. They would still have to sign at least one FA DT and draft at least one DT, even if they sign AA there is no guarantee he will play in more than half the games.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like AA, but the injuries pose a concern for me...... bring in a vet DT and Corner and sign Feliciano- and get younger via the draft. I would still like to see Ward and Lenoir extended as well. It will be interesting to see what happens w Jackson, Thomas, Womack in camp........ if they can develop into solid contributors or not for next season- maybe Poe as well.

      Delete
    2. Dip,
      When you say Poe are you referring to Jason Poe?

      Delete
    3. Jason Poe is on the Iggles now.

      Delete
  39. 49ers have missed having a guy like Dee Ford. Speed rusher that can provide immediate pressure from the edge.

    Floyd can bring some of that - not as good as Ford but still good. I'm sure they hope Beal can develop to bring that element too.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Looks like C. Ferrell is going to Washington.



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Ferrell signed by Adam Peters.

      George Odum resigned for 2 years. Depth at safety

      Delete
  41. Patrick Queen would really help the defense, but 49ers are likely in no position to sign him.

    ReplyDelete

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