49ers Insider Breaks Down What Jaguars Are Getting in Arik Armstead

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a major move earlier this offseason, adding former San Francisco 49ers star defensive lineman Arik Armstead.

Armstead, who was drafted in the first round by Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke in San Francisco in 2015, has spent the last nine seasons with the 49ers.

Armstead only appeared in 12 regular season games last year due to injuries, though he still finished with five sacks and nearly 60 pressures.

In nine seasons, Armstead started 97 games and appeared in 116, recording 33.5 sacks, 43 tackles for loss, and 88 quarterback hits.

But what exactly will Armstead bring to the Jaguars? Jose Sanchez of All 49ers breaks it down.

Why did the 49ers want Armstead to take a pay cut?

Sanchez: The 49ers were not salary cap compliant at the time when they asked Armstead to take a pay cut. They needed ways to free up space with him being one of the top paid players. It was easy an decision to ask him to take one because of that, but also he wasn't worth the salary he was making anymore. He is an older player with his body clearly breaking down. However, the 49ers love who he is, so they figured Armstead, who has made over $80 million in his career, wouldn't mind reducing his number. Clearly they were wrong and he found himself an excellent deal with the Jaguars.

What does Armstead do best?

Sanchez: Armstead is strong in the run game. He can blow up offensive linemen and ruin rushing lanes as soon as they spawn. Anytime Armstead was out of the lineup, the 49ers defense became weak against the run. He was a key player in the run defense that the 49ers absolutely needed. As a pass rusher, he is still an impact player who can take on double teams to free up others. The one thing about him in both facets is that he is violent and very disruptive.

What are some of Armstead's weaknesses?

Sanchez: Easily his availability. Going into the 2023 season, I raised concerns about if Armstead’s body is starting to break down and it looks like it is. He’s only played in 21 games in the last two years. In 2022, he was plagued with plantar fasciitis in one foot and a broken bone in the other. In 2023, his plantar fasciitis popped up mildly again while also dealing with a torn meniscus. Armstead is still a fairly high level player that most defenses would want, but it is without question that health is a strong concern with him.

Is Armstead someone who the 49ers will struggle to replace?

Sanchez: Well, they acquired Malik Collins from the Texans in order to replace Armstead, so the hope is that he can shrink the hole left by him. Collins is a solid player, but he’s not Armstead. If Armstead’s health could be trusted, then the 49ers do not ask him for a pay cut I believe. Instead, they cut their ties with him and find a pretty nice replacement in Collins. It really all hinges on how Collins performs this year, but I think if he just plays all 17 games, then the 49ers will be happy since that is the real upgrade over Armstead. Where the 49ers will probably feel the sting of Armstead’s loss is his leadership. He was the longest tenured player on the team and was a real older brother to everyone on the defensive line. That is something that the young Jaguars defensive players will benefit from.