When the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Arik Armstead in free agency last year, they expected him to bolster the defensive front. However, things didn't work they thought, mostly because they played him out of position. Couple that with the fact that the 2015 first-round pick was coming off a meniscus surgery, and his first season with the Jags left much to be desired.
After mostly lining up on the edge last year, Armstead is back at his familiar defensive tackle position. Moreover, he's back at full strength, and that's been reflected in his play this season. In fact, one stat proves just how dominant he's been.
Arik Armstead is having a bounce-back season with the Jaguars
10 games into the season, Arik Armstead has logged a team-best 5.5 sacks. On top of that, he's tallied 39 pressures, good for the second-most, just behind Josh Hines-Allen. What stands out is that Jacksonville has struggled to get after the quarterback this season, but the 11-year veteran is tied with Jeffery Simmons for the most sacks among defensive tackles in the NFL.
For comparison, Armstead had 36 pressures and two sacks in 17 games last year. Simply, he's become the player the Jags envisioned when they gave him a three-year deal worth $43.5 million in 2024. Looking back, it's baffling that the Jags had him play defensive end when he's been at his best when he lines up inside. His production this season is proof of it, and makes you wonder what the past regime was thinking.
Armstead went 17th overall to the San Francisco 49ers in 2015. Throughout his 10-year stint in the Bay Area, he was routinely one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL in spite of his dearth of accolades. But as dominant as he was, the former Oregon was asked to take a pay cut in 2024. He found the offer the Niners made him to be disrespectful and was promptly released.
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The Jaguars are getting bang for their buck with Arik Armstead
Players deserve to earn whatever a team is willing to pay them. This is especially true when you take into account just how brief their earning window is. Having said that, signing a top-market contract comes with certain expectations, and Arik Armstead came up short in his first season with the Jags. Having said that, his deal looks much better one year later.
It's also worth noting that Armstead won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award because of his contributions to his community. When you add it all up, the Jags have an impact player on and off the field.
After failing to make the playoffs two years in a row, the Jaguars are steering the ship in the right direction. While there are many reasons for the turnaround, having players like Arik Armstead has most definitely helped.