Erik Armstead is moving to North Florida after spending nine seasons in Northern California.
According to sources, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday that the veteran defensive lineman is about to sign a three-year contract worth up to $51 million with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Only one day has passed since Armstead was formally released by the San Francisco 49ers before being acquired. The 30-year-old’s decision to step down from his $17.41 million salary came before his firing after almost ten years in the Bay Area, according to a report from Rapoport on Sunday.
Armstead will start for Jacksonville in a loaded front seven that includes players like Devin Lloyd, Josh Allen, Foye Oluokun, Roy Robertson-Harris, and Travis Walker. Recalling the signing of Calais Campbell in 2017, the Jaguars’ “Sacksonville” defense dominated the NFL and nearly made it to the quarterfinals of the Super Bowl. Campbell is a veteran defensive lineman.
The Jaguars have been very busy in free agency thus far. Jacksonville acquired former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones; signed receivers Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay; extended the contract of inside lineman Ezra Cleveland; and kept Allen via the tag. Up until now, Armstead has been the 6-foot-7 crown jewel.
Armstead recovered with five sacks and thirteen quarterback hits in 12 games in 2023 following a cut short 2022 season. After missing five games due to injury, the seasoned player made a huge comeback for the playoffs, intercepting Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LVIII. With San Francisco, it was his final one.
Armstead left the 49ers with 33.5 sacks, 88 quarterback hits, and 43 tackles for loss. He started 97 of the 116 games he appeared in during the regular season.
Jacksonville is hoping Armstead can contribute similarly in warmer climates and help elevate its mediocre defense to a Super Bowl-caliber team.
