The full details of new Jacksonville Jaguars defensive star Arik Armstead are officially out, and it looks like a strong deal for both sides.
According to Armstead's contract, he officially signed for three years and $43 million ($14.5 million per year) with $28 million in guarantees. This makes Armstead the No. 15 defensive tackle in terms of average annual value.
Armstead's cap hits will be $4.5 million in 2024, $7.4 million in 2025, and $19.4 million in 2026. Due to void years, Armstead will also have cap hits for three years after his contract ends: $12.2 million in 2027, $4.9 million in 2028, and $2.4 million in 2029.
The Jaguars have a potential out in the deal in 2026, where they could release Armstead with a post-June 1st designation and save $14.5 million, while a $17.2 million dead cap hit would be felt over two seasons.
"Well in all honesty, just like I’m sure all of you can agree with, money is a big factor. You have to take care of your family, I have to take care of my family. Financially, it is a big deal in the situation," Armstead said earlier this week.
"We play football because we love the game and we’ve been blessed and we’re passionate and we love and make sacrifices. Those sacrifices at the end of the day are to take care of the people we love. Contractually, that is a big deal. It’s a big deal but it’s not the only deal. You don’t want to be in a bad situation where you’re miserable and unhappy. Then, what’s money at that point when you feel terrible? Getting that piece taken care and having the opportunity to learn about the city and people’s experiences playing here and living here, just really sold me down in Jacksonville.”
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.
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