The Jacksonville Jaguars will begin their offseason after losing to the Bills in an interception sealer, which means the team will need to start thinking about bringing back some players, but they will likely cut defensive end Arik Armstead. With Jacksonville turning its attention to next season, Armstead’s contract is carrying a large cap hit on the team’s salary, and the team will have no other choice but to release him. It would be a brutal loss, as the Jaguars did have the No. 1 run defense, as both Armstead and Davon Hamilton had a huge impact on turning the page for the group.
Jaguars Likely to Cut $51 Million “Sack Artist” Arik Armstead After Last Minute Playoff Loss – 3 Potential Next Teams
Originally selected in the first-round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Oregon product is one of the better edge rushers in the league. After signing a three-year deal to join the Jaguars in March 2024, the veteran got off to a slow start, recording just two sacks. However, he turned things around and notched close to six sacks while helping the Jaguars appear in the Wild Card. At age 32, there will be teams looking to add him to a roster on a low-stakes deal, maybe a two-year contract, since he’s aging.
Armstead is slowing down each year, but this isn’t going to stop teams from eyeing him to strengthen their defense. The defensive end should receive some interest, but it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Jaguars decide to restructure the veteran’s current deal to make this happen, and these three teams could acquire him.
Next Potential Fits
Dallas Cowboys
After trading for Quinnen Williams, the Dallas Cowboys have built one of the most underrated interior defensive lines. While the Cowboys could cut Kenny Clark due to cap space, they will probably restructure his contract, so this defense can stay together for at least one more season. Clark, Williams and Osa Odighizuwa will only get better if they have a better edge, which is a unit the Cowboys must focus on improving.
With the expectation of Dallas bringing back veteran defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, why not get Armstead on a one-year deal? You’d easily have two of the best edge rushers to create an impact while creating chaos in the middle.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are committing to quarterback Tyler Shough, which means the team should build a formidable defense to make his life easier. After re-signing Chase Young, he needs more help if New Orleans wants to have an impact in getting after the quarterback. Cameron Jordan is slated to hit the market and wants to return to the Saints, but if the team doesn’t want him back, New Orleans should be interested in Armstead. Bryan Bresee hasn’t been the most fabulous, so adding a veteran is what the Saints need.
Carolina Panthers
Last offseason, the Carolina Panthers built themselves a reliable defense that got them into the postseason. With Bryce Young likely coming back on a fifth-year option, this Panthers defense must continue to stack to help standouts Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Brown. Armstead probably doesn’t need to start anymore, and the Panthers could use his experience to turn the tide around in Carolina.