The San Francisco 49ers surprised the NFL world during free agency by releasing their longest-tenured player in that of defensive lineman Arik Armstead.
San Francisco’s decision to release Armstead came after the two sides failed to negotiate a contract restructure. It also comes after he spent nine seasons with the 49ers.
With the former first-round pick out of Oregon now on the NFL free agent market, one big-name 49ers player is not too happy.
All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel took to social media to voice his displeasure over the 49ers releasing Armstead. He was not subtle.
In an IG Story, the offensive weapon offered up six facepalem emoji’s in response to Armstead’s release.
The interesting thing here is that this comes with the Baltimore Ravens looking to trade for Samuel. That’s highly unlikely to happen. But his unhappiness could tell us a story of the feelings within San Francisco’s locker room following the release of the respected Armstead.
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With Armstead off the books, San Francisco signed defensive tackle Jordan Elliott away from the Cleveland Browns in free agency and acquired Maliek Collins in a trade with the Houston Texans.
It won’t make up for Armstead’s absence. But the depth is there for San Francisco on the interior of its defensive line. Just don’t think that’s going to appease Samuel and Co.