Jaguars Could Release DT Arik Armstead

ESPN’s Michael DiRocco identifies Arik Armstead as a potential release candidate. The veteran defensive tackle has one year remaining on his contract. None of his scheduled base salary ($14MM) is guaranteed, however, and Armstead is due to carry a cap charge of $19.39MM in 2026.

A cut at this point in the offseason would not be feasible due to the dead money it would generate. Waiting until after June 1 to proceed with a release would, on the other hand, yield $14.49MM in cap savings while incurring a dead money charge of only $4.9MM. It will be interesting to see how the Jags proceed along the defensive interior during the draft as a result.

Jacksonville already has one notable contract (DaVon Hamilton) on the books at the defensive tackle position. The team’s financial planning in the front seven also has to take into account Josh Hines-Allen‘s $28.25MM-per-year extension and a potential big-money commitment to Travon Walker. The former No. 1 pick is set to play on his fifth-year option in 2026, so working out an extension this offseason would come as little surprise in his case.

The Jaguars were the NFL’s top run defense in 2025, but they struggled to generate a consistent pass rush. Armstead contributed 5.5 sacks during his second campaign in Duval County, a notable rebound from the two he posted the year before. Armstead will again be counted on as a key presence up front provided he remains in the fold for 2026 after he logged a 60% snap share this past season. He will turn 33 midway through the 2026 campaign, though, so finding a successor via the draft would represent a reasonable approach for general manager James Gladstone and Co.

Jacksonville does not own a first-round pick thanks to the trade up for Travis Hunter last April. The Jaguars nevertheless have 11 selections as things stand, so there will be plenty of opportunities to make on or two additions to the defensive line. If that takes place, Armstead’s situation will be worth watching closely.