Instead of making a splash in free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars chose to address the larger scale roster in the NFL Draft. While they're confident their rookie class can make an impact right out of the gate, they're facing a few questions going into the regular season. The interior defensive line, in particular, doesn't look like a strength. Perhaps this is why the Jags have been holding onto Arik Armstead.
See, Armstead has been dubbed a cut candidate throughout the offseason. The veteran defensive lineman is entering the last year of a $43.5 million deal he signed in 2024. He's set to count $19 million against the cap, but releasing him would free up $14.4 million with dead money hits of $4.9 million and $12.2 million in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
You would think that the cap relief would be enough to convince Jacksonville to cut ties with him, but releasing him would create a massive void. Nevertheless, an NFL analyst thinks the 2015 first-round pick could still get the boot.
Jaguars DE Arik Armstead was just dubbed cut candidate
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report discussed five cut candidates who should be on every NFL team's radar. He talked about Arik Armstead, arguing that the Jags are better off releasing him because his contract doesn't reflect his production from last year.
"Releasing the defensive lineman would save the team nearly $15 million, which could be used to shore up weaker areas on the roster ahead of training camp," Kay wrote. "While Armstead put up 5.5 sacks and 2025 and was an important cog in the defensive trenches for one of the league's better run defenses, he'll be 33 years old in November and has worn down the thread on his tires over a decade-plus in the NFL."
There's no doubt that Armstead cooled down as the year progressed, but context is key. He dealt with a hand injury that hindered his performance. If he manages to stay healthy, he should post even better numbers next season.
Moreover, the former Oregon Duck is the team's best pass rusher at defensive tackle. Ruke Orhorhoro has upside but has yet to blossom. On the other hand, DaVon Hamilton excels at stuffing the run but isn't great at bringing the heat. Rookie Albert Regis is also in the mix, but he's an unproven commodity.
When you add it all up, it simply doesn't make sense for Jacksonville to trade Armstead in spite of the potential cap relief.
The Jaguars could squeeze one last good season out of Arik Armstead
Early in the offseason, Mia O'Brien reported that the Jags intended to keep Arik Armstead in 2026. Given that he's still on the roster, it looks like they haven't changed their stance. Maybe if Albert Regis or Ruke Orhorhoro flourished, Jacksonville would be inclined to shop Armstead, but there's no guarantee that will happen.
Moreover, the Jaguars would have to bring in reinforcements if they traded the Sacramento, California native. After all, they would be left with just Orhorhoro, Regis, DaVon Hamilton, and Matt Dickerson. Maybe if the Jags claimed a promising defensive tackle on the waiver wire, they might be inclined to pull the trigger, but the truth is that they're better off keeping Armstead around.
In the end, you should never rule out a trade, but it doesn't currently look like the Jaguars will be trading Arik Armstead any time soon. Simply put, the potential drawback would outweigh the financial benefits.
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