Deebo Samuel, the standout receiver for the 49ers, didn’t hold back his frustration regarding the team’s decision to part ways with veteran defensive lineman Arik Armstead due to salary cap constraints.
Taking to Instagram, Samuel shared a Story featuring Armstead with a “Breaking” label and accompanied by six faceplant emojis, indicating his disappointment with the move.
NY Post reports that the 49ers’ release of Armstead, designated as a post-June 1 cut, is expected to yield significant savings, approximately $18 million, as reported by The Athletic. Despite Armstead’s solid performance, which included five sacks in 12 games last season, his departure was deemed necessary amidst financial considerations.
Ironically, Samuel’s own contract contributes to the team’s salary cap challenges. With a hefty cap hit of $28.6 million for the 2024 season and a dead cap hit of $42.8 million, Samuel’s contract adds pressure to the team’s financial flexibility.
While Samuel is undoubtedly a key player, his contract implications raise questions, especially considering the presence of other offensive stars like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk.
In an effort to reinforce their defense, the 49ers have been active in free agency, securing signings such as pass rusher Leonard Floyd, defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Jordan Elliott, and defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos. However, the team missed out on linebacker Eric Kendricks, who opted to join the Cowboys instead.
Despite the roster adjustments, Samuel’s discontent underscores the challenges faced by the 49ers as they strive to strengthen their lineup following their Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs in 2024.
