While free agency has brought in a wave of new faces for the San Francisco 49ers, the start of their offseason was headlined by a notable departure. After reportedly wanting Arik Armstead to take a pay cut, the 49ers released the veteran defensive lineman at the start of free agency.
After becoming a free agent, Armstead inked a 3-year, $51 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
During his recent podcast “Third and Long” via The Tidal League, Armstead spoke about his departure from San Francisco and feeling “disrespected” by the 49ers contract offer.
Via Third and Long – The Tidal League:
They extended an offer to me of $6 million for a one-year deal with incentives to go up to like eight. When they sent that over, I did feel extremely disrespected. I don’t feel that level of compensation is nowhere near the type of player that I am — not even just the type of player that I am — it’s what I’ve committed to the game, what I’ve committed to my team, what I’ve committed to my organization and my community. I didn’t feel like it was representative of who I am as a player and a person.
I put a lot into what I do. I’m not just a guy who goes to practice, goes home, and does all the bare minimum team stuff just to get by. I’m a guy who watches the most film, invests the most time in my body, preparation, working on my game, and working on my craft. I have a real passion for this—a true love for this.
I know for a fact that I do a lot more than a majority of players. I put a lot more into football than a majority of players. I think that has value as well too. Also too I value myself as a player in a multitude of ways in what I do. My approach. My intrinsic value as well. I didn’t feel like that offer was anywhere near the level of compensation for a player like me.
Listen to Armstead’s full podcast via YouTube:
Armstead was the No. 17 overall pick in the 2015 draft out of Oregon. In nine seasons with the 49ers, Armstead racked up 32.5 sacks and 43 tackles for loss.
With Armstead signing in Jacksonville, the 49ers brought in multiple players on the defensive line in free agency. Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, Jordan Elliot all signed with the 49ers along with acquiring veteran defensive tackle Maliek Collins in a trade with the Houston Texans.
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