Arik Armstead is going to make big money when he hits free agency this offseason. At age 26, Armstead recorded 10 sacks for a San Francisco 49ers' defense that was among the best in the league.
The Niners may have no choice but to let him go. They drafted Nick Bosa in 2019 and have some extensions in the near future for players like George Kittle and DeForest Buckner. San Francisco could franchise tag Armstead in 2020 but that will be a high price.
If Armstead hits the open market, these three teams could look to open their checkbook for him.
3. Buffalo Bills
Armstead could go from one elite defense to another if this happens. The Buffalo Bills made it back to the postseason for the second time in three years after a 10-6 campaign. They blew a lead in Houston in the Wild Card round but the Bills look like they are here to stay. If there is one position they need on the defensive side, it is a defensive end.
Buffalo featured Trent Murphy and Jerry Hughes on the ends in 2019. They were a team led by their linebacking group with Tremaine Edmunds and Tre'Davious White in the secondary. Adding Armstead would give them a legitimate pass rusher off the edge.
2. Atlanta Falcons
It seems like every year people want to believe in the Atlanta Falcons because of their talented offensive group but they end up underachieving. This could be because of their inept head coach that somehow still has a job or it could be because of their defense.
Atlanta ranked 20th in total defense in 2019 and recorded 28 sacks, which was 29th in the league. Armstead would fix both of those problems. He is a strong pass rusher and a big name that Atlanta needs on their side.
1. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were a team that got to the quarterback last season. They finished second in the league with 53 sacks. This does not mean that they won't need to upgrade their line. Gerald McCoy and Vernon Butler are both pending free agents. Dontari Poe and Kawaan Short both had their season cut short due to injury.
Simply put, it is time for the Panthers to get younger on the defensive line. Armstead is a player that can play inside and out. Carolina is still trying to figure out their quarterback position for 2020 but Armstead would give them a proven star for years to come on the defensive side.
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