The Jacksonville Jaguars have strengthened their defensive lineup by adding experienced defensive end Arik Armstead to their roster. Armstead, who recently recovered from knee surgery after getting injured in his last Super Bowl appearance with the San Francisco 49ers, brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the Jaguars’ defensive front. This move is a crucial part of their strategy to improve their defense as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
At the age of 30, Armstead was chosen by the 49ers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft after a successful college football career at Oregon. Throughout his nine seasons with San Francisco, he established himself as a dominant force on the field, accumulating 33.5 sacks, 85 quarterback hits, and 42 tackles for loss in 116 games, including 97 starts. His consistent ability to put pressure on the quarterback solidified his role as a key player in the 49ers’ defense.
Following an impressive stint with the 49ers, which included a strong Super Bowl run hampered by injuries, Armstead became a free agent. Despite being re-signed by San Francisco to a five-year, $85 million contract after the exercise of his fifth-year option in 2019, the 49ers released him as a post-June 1st cut to save $18 million in salary cap space. This move cleared the way for Armstead to sign a three-year, $51 million deal with the Jaguars in March.
The Jaguars are excited to have Armstead on board. He will join established players such as Travon Walker, Josh Hines-Allen, and DaVon Hamilton on the defensive line. The team expects that his addition will not only boost their pass rush but also bring valuable leadership to the group. As the regular season approaches, both the coaching staff and Jaguars fans are eager to witness how Armstead’s presence will contribute to the transformation of their defensive strength and overall team dynamics.
Photo from Arik Armstead Instagram
