Jaguars activate veteran defensive lineman

Arik Armstead missed the beginning of training camp while recovering from a torn meniscus suffered midway through the 2023 campaign. The veteran defensive lineman is now able to return to practice, however. Armstead was activated from the PUP list on Tuesday, per a team announcement.

The longtime 49er spent his first nine seasons in the league with San Francisco. Armstead was set to play out the final year of his deal in 2024, but the 49ers’ efforts to have him accept a pay cut were unsuccessful. As a result, the team moved forward with his release, setting up a notable free-agent spell. Armstead drew interest from multiple teams, but he ultimately decided to join the Jaguars.

The 30-year-old landed a three-year, $43.5M deal featuring $28M in guarantees. Armstead will thus be expected to play a key role along the defensive interior for his new team. Jacksonville is set atop the depth chart on the edge with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, but the team sought out a D-lineman to pair with DaVon Hamilton when negotiating with Armstead. The latter is a veteran of 97 starts.

Armstead recorded five sacks last season despite being limited to 12 games. That was the third time in his career he posted at least five sacks, and making an impact in the passing game would be key in the Jaguars phase of his career. The former first-rounder has posted between 11 and 18 quarterback hits in five of the past six seasons; duplicating that production should be expected provided he can remain healthy.

With two preseason games remaining, the Jaguars will have multiple opportunities to have Armstead see game reps before the campaign kicks off. Even if he is limited to training camp work, though, he will have time to get up to speed in time for Week 1.