49ers Star Defensive Tackle Arik Armstead Becoming Free Agent, Giving Bengals Another Target

The 30-year-old is set to hit free agency.
In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are on the hunt for a star defensive tackle and one of the best in the NFL is hitting the market.

Arik Armstead is going to be released according to Jordan Schultz. He's coming off of a productive season for the 49ers. The 30-year-old had five sacks and 27 tackles in 12 games. He played through a torn meniscus and underwent surgery to repair it following the Super Bowl. He’s expected to make a full recovery ahead of training camp.

The 49ers asked Armstead to take a pay cut according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. He was scheduled to make $17.41 million in 2024. Instead, Armstead opted to become a free agent.

This gives the Bengals another potential target in free agency. The former first round pick has 33.5 career sacks. 

Will he get top of the market money? Christian Wilkins is considered the top free agent defensive tackle. Armstead is probably a tier lower than Wilkins, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't be a huge boost to a Bengals' defensive tackle room that needs more juice. 

Get the Latest NFL Offseason News on fuboTV! Start your free trial here.

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Bengals QBs Coach Brad Kragthorpe Tells Favorite Joe Burrow Story: 'That Was Easy'

Bengals Meeting With Top Tight End Prospects, Including Georgia Star Brock Bowers

Duke Tobin Vague on Joe Mixon's Future: 'Not Going to Get Into That'

Dan Pitcher, Justin Rascati on Boosting Cincinnati's Explosive Playmaking: 'Stems From Marriage of Run and Pass'

Look: Joe Burrow Has Started 2024 Offseason Training Program

Will Bengals Sign Veteran Punter in Free Agency?

Bengals Preparing for More Tackle Turnover, Could Address Offensive Line in Draft and Free Agency

Watch: Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase Meet Up With LeBron James Following Lakers Game

Look: Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Other Bengals Stars Attend Lakers Matchup Against Suns

Mike Evans Perfect Fit for Cincinnati Bengals in Free Agency?

Report: Cincinnati Hires New Mexico State Assistant Ronnie Regula as Quality Control Coach

Ja'Marr Chase's Fifth-Year Option Salary Officially Set Ahead of 2024 Season

Patriots Offensive Lineman Michael Onwenu Fires Agent With Free Agency Looming

Paul Dehner Jr. on Joe Mixon's Future in Cincinnati: 'Don't Have a Reason' For Bengals to Keep Him

Look: Joe Burrow Leads NFL Quarterbacks in Clutch-Time Statistic This Century

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel

Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok


Published
James Rapien
JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals On SI. He's also the host of the Locked on Bengals podcast and Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. The Cincinnati native also wrote a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals called Enter The Jungle. Prior to joining Bengals On SI, Rapien worked at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati