San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel leaves no doubt how he feels about Arik Armstead's release
The San Francisco 49ers were forced into a difficult decision this week, releasing their longest-tenured player, Arik Armstead, for salary cap relief after he reportedly refused to take a pay cut as part of a contract restructure. Armstead was one of the leaders in the 49er locker room, with the defensive tackle a four-time nominee […]
The San Francisco 49ers were forced into a difficult decision this week, releasing their longest-tenured player, Arik Armstead, for salary cap relief after he reportedly refused to take a pay cut as part of a contract restructure.
Armstead was one of the leaders in the 49er locker room, with the defensive tackle a four-time nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his work in the community in the Bay Area and in Sacramento.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is all too aware of how tough the business side of the NFL can be, having gone through contentious contract negotiations with the 49ers in 2022.
Yet Samuel did not waste much time in registering his disappointment after the 49ers made Armstead's release official, reacting in a post on his Instagram story.
Given how long Armstead had been with the 49ers and how respected he was throughout the locker room, it is no surprise to see a player like Samuel, never afraid to speak his mind, reacting in such a fashion.
But the reality is that, with Armstead entering his age-31 season having dealt with a foot issue in each of the last two seasons and played through a torn meniscus in the postseason, he was always likely to be a potential cap casualty. Once he refused a pay cut, the writing was on the wall.
A player of his standing within the organization deserved a better end to his time with the 49ers. Depending on where he signs for 2024, Armstead will surely get a great reception if his new team plays the Niners at Levi's Stadium in the near future.
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He’s chosen the wrong side.
