A surprising blockbuster move from the Jacksonville Jaguars could involve Arik Armstead in a trade this free agency. The NFL is already busy this week as many teams across the league are making moves to improve their roster. According to a Bleacher Report, the Jaguars might open up the discussion to send Armstead in a trade after having an underwhelming season despite signing a three-year, $43.5 million dollar deal. The defensive lineman played just 48 percent of defensive snaps which is his lowest since his rookie year with the San Francisco 49ers in 2015.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Oregon product had one of the worst seasons in his career after signing one of the biggest contracts in the league as a defensive lineman. However, the Jaguars are building a new regime as they have a new coaching staff and general manager. Bleacher Report believes that anytime that happens then they would likely cut or trade the underperforming veterans on the team and that is likely true. The Jaguars have made several moves on their offensive side of the ball after trading Christian Kirk and getting a new offensive lineman for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise if the team winds up releasing more veterans beyond Armstead. For the sake of this post, the veteran won’t attract many suitors but he could earn a one-year deal with these three teams.
“Surprising” Arik Armstead Trade Could Be in The Works
3 Suitors Could Emerge
Baltimore Ravens
It’s been a quiet free agency for the Baltimore Ravens so far. However, they don’t have the financial liberty to make enormous amounts of signings but they are losing free agents from their defensive armory. Brandon Stephens is the latest man to leave the team but as the defense is getting younger, it’s fair for the Ravens to wait until Armstead becomes available in the market. They probably won’t trade for him at the expense of his contract but if the Jaguars part ways with Armstead, many should expect the Ravens to be strong suitors for him.
Nnamdi Madubuike still had a decent 2024 campaign but Travis Jones and Broderick Washington have yet to break out. After losing Jadeveon Clowney last offseason, the Ravens will only get younger as long as they will allow it. Yannick Ngakoue returning back even for a little is an indicator that Baltimore needs a veteran lineman to withhold the trenches. Armstead won’t do much on the first few games but with his experience, it would be an upgrade either way.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are in a different type of situation where they could spend money. They’ve let go of Jonathan Allen but it wasn’t too long before the team found a replacement in Javon Kinlaw who reunites with Adam Peters. The team still has cap space to work with even after trading for Laremy Tunsil so they could add another ferocious lineman if they want to maximize this roster.
Los Angeles Chargers
Just like the Ravens, it’s been quiet for the Los Angeles Chargers even though the team has cap space to work with. The team lost Poona Ford in the trenches who was a key contributor to this pass rush and Teair Tart could be next. Armstead could be a capable upgrade if the team wants to make a solid move since Jim Harbaugh loves winning football games in the trenches.
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