The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently in good cap shape. However, they have a handful of options following the June 1 deadline if they want to free up a bit of space.
Among the many players the Jags could release to create space, Arik Armstead would probably make the most sense. The veteran defensive tackle is set to count $19.3 million against the cap, but cutting him would free up $14.4 million in space with $4.9 million in dead money. The savings would be enough to extend Parker Washington or Brenton Strange. Jacksonville could also go after a veteran pass rusher with the extra space.
That said, it looks like the Jaguars plan to keep Armstead for the remainder of 2026. But if they change their mind, an NFL analyst believes the Green Bay Packers could be a legitimate destination for the former Oregon Duck.
The Packers were dubbed a fit for Arik Armstead if the Jaguars release him
Alex Kay drew up a list of the five most likely NFL cap casualties after June 1. He included Arik Armstead, citing his age and the Jaguars' dearth of cap space as the main reasons.
"With the cash-strapped Jaguars lacking cap room and Armstead having no guaranteed money left on his contract, the team could clear up nearly $15 million (and only incur a shade under $5 million in dead money) by releasing the veteran defensive lineman, Kay wrote. "While Armstead was a quality contributor to the NFL's top rushing defense last year and recorded 5.5 sacks—his highest total since 2021—he's set to enter an age-33 season and could be due for a sharp regression."
Later in his article, Kay points out that Jacksonville may be willing to cut ties with Armstead due to the arrival of Ruke Orhorhoro and Albert Regis. He then brings up the Packers as a landing spot for the 2015 first-round pick if he's available.
"The Green Bay Packers have been looking to get over the playoff hump after several fruitless trips and could benefit mightily from a grizzled veteran like Armstead joining their side," Kay wrote.
There are currently no signs that the Jaguars want to move on from Armstead, but if they considered it, they would probably look for trade partners before releasing him. That said, Green Bay, on paper, seems like a logical destination for the Sacramento, California native.
The Packers signed Javon Hargrave in free agency and drafted Chris McClullen in Round 3. However, Armstead would give their interior defensive line a boost, as he would be an upgrade over Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks.
It's also important to point out that Green Bay runs a 3-4 defense, so Armstead would have to switch from defensive tackle to defensive end. Then again, he previously played on a 3-4 defense when he was with the San Francisco 49ers, so the move wouldn't probably affect him.
Why the Jaguars may not release Arik Armstead in 2026
The pros of releasing Arik Armstead are clear: The Jaguars would get cap flexibility. On the other hand, it would leave a massive roster void. Ruke Orhorhoro and Albert Regis are expected to have an impact next season, but what if they fail?
But even if Orhorhoro and Regis bolster the defensive line, keeping Armstead around next season makes sense for two reasons. First, he's still a productive player, and even if he slows down a bit, he could still be effective as part of a rotation. On top of that, his presence gives Jacksonville insurance in case either Orhorhoro or Regis misses time for whatever reason.
Simply put the drawbacks of releasing Arik Armstead outweigh the benefits, so the Jaguars may want to hold onto him in 2026. Next year, when he becomes a free agent, might be a different story, but the Jags will cross that bridge at due time.
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