The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't take any big swings in free agency but still managed to address the larger scale roster before and during the 2026 NFL Draft. Specifically, they took care of their glaring void at defensive tackle when they traded for Ruke Orhorhoro and later selected Albert Regis at No. 88.
With Regis and Orhororo in the mix, the Jags should improve in the interior trenches. However, an NFL analyst argues that their arrival suddenly made a veteran defensive tackle expendable.
The Jaguars could still release Arik Armstead in the 2026 offseason
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report came up with a list of the best player from each NFL team that could still be released in the offseason. He chose Arik Armstead for the Jaguars, arguing that he could be expendable after the team's brass fortified the interior defensive line.
"It seems like a matter of when, not if, the Jacksonville Jaguars cut Arik Armstead, "Moton wrote. "The club bolstered the interior defensive line group by acquiring Ruker Orhorhoro from the Atlanta Falcons and drafting Albert Regis in the third round."
Moton continued, "Entering his age-33 campaign, Armstead is in a contract year. The Jaguars can save $14.5 million if they release him after June 1. With his declining production in the second half of the previous season, he doesn't fit in the Jaguars' revamped defensive tackle group."
All things considered, Moton makes some valid points. For starters, Jacksonville hasn't gotten enough back for its buck after signing Armstead to a three-year deal worth $43.5 million in 2024.
In his first season in Duval, Armstead played on the edge despite the fact that he's at his best at defensive tackle. To nobody's surprise, he only logged a measly 2.5 sacks. The former Oregon Duck moved back inside last year and got off to a strong start, registering five sacks in the first 10 games. However, a hand injury slowed him down, and he finished the season with no sacks in the last seven contests.
Entering the last year of the deal he signed, Armstead has been dubbed a cut candidate because the Jags can free up $12.2 million in space with dead cap hits of $4.9 million and $14.4 million in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The team's brass could most definitely use those savings to extend either wide receiver Parker Washington or Brenton Strange, but it could also leave a massive void in the trenches.
Why it makes sense for the Jaguars to Arik Armstead in 2026
There's no doubt that releasing Arik Armstead comes with pros, but it could also create a need at defensive tackle. While it's true that the Jaguars traded for Ruke Orhorhoro and later traded for Albert Regis, they could still use Armstead. If healthy, the 2015 first-round pick is still their best pass rusher on the interior defensive line. Moreover, he could serve as a mentor for the youngsters.
However, the biggest benefit of keeping Armstead around is that he will provide depth while serving as insurance in case either Orhorhoro or Regis fails to make an impact. Sure, keeping him around could also prevent others from logging playing time.
Having said that, the coaching staff won't just hand Armstead the starting job. If he is still their best defensive tackle, he should most definitely get one of the starting jobs up front. If he isn't, the Jags can simply give him a rotational role.
Of course, it all may come down to training camp. It makes sense to hold onto Armstead for now, as he'll get a chance to prove he still has a bit of juice left. Conversely, the team's brass can release him (or trade him) if he either leaves a bit to be desired or if Orhorhoro and Regis make an impression.
The bottom line is that releasing Arik Armtead would help the Jaguars form a financial standpoint, but they don't have to rush a decision until training camp comes.
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