The Buffalo Bills continue to adjust their team for the 2024 NFL season. After releasing several experienced players to comply with the salary cap, Bills general manager Brandon Beane was prepared to make a significant move in free agency.
Based on two insider reports, the Bills were getting ready to recruit former San Francisco 49ers star player Arik Armstead. Following Armstead's official release from the Niners on March 13, Matt Barrows of The Athletic wrote, “Keep an eye on Buffalo as a possible landing spot.”
The The Bills’ interest in Armstead took fans and analysts by surprise. Buffalo didn’t seem to have the money to acquire a player who left San Francisco rather than accepting a reduced salary, $85 million deal.
However, on Thursday, March 14, Dianna Russini of The Athletic wrote, “Armstead is signing with the Bills, according to sources.”
Before Bills fans could celebrate, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport contradicted the report. “A dark horse emerges: The Jaguars are close to adding a significant presence to their defense,” Rapoport posted. “They are set to sign former 49ers DT Arik Armstead, sources say.”
Russini then retracted her statement. “My mistake,” she wrote. “My source with the Bills who was in on Arik Armstead said it was a done deal. Not with Buffalo. The deal is done with the Jaguars.” The false information prompted a strong reaction from fans and analysts.
Built in Buffalo’s Kevin Siracuse wrote, “Well, it was fun while it lasted…” Arrowhead Pride’s Mark Gunnels stated, “Bills fans are upset.”
13 WHAM’s Dan Fetes wrote, “Whether the Bills secured Armstead or not… it’s worth noting that they were still trying to sign him. 👀 Beane is not finished adding to the defensive line.”
The Bills Were Suitors for Arik Armstead, Along With the Titans, Chargers & Texans
The Jacksonville Jaguars signing Armstead was an unexpected move. In addition to the Bills, the Tennessee Titans were interested in the veteran, Russini reported. Barrows also mentioned that the Los Angeles Chargers could be involved.
Russini stated on Thursday, “Arik Armstead was in talks with several teams including the Bills and Titans. In fact, the 49ers and Texans had an arrangement for a player exchange — Armstead for Collins — but it fell through after the Texans agreed to terms with edge rusher Danielle Hunter, according to sources from me and @mattbarrows.”
The 6-foot-7, 290-pound interior lineman would’ve been a good addition to the Bills roster. Armstead’s six tackles and 1 sack against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl were likely an appealing statistic for Beane. In 12 regular season games last season, he recorded 27 total tackles, 13 quarterback hits, and 5 sacks.
Cover 1 host Anthony Prohaska wrote, “The idea of Arik Armstead playing in a rotation with Ed Oliver & DaQuan Jones is astonishing. And we know how much [Bills head coach Sean] McDermott & Beane believe in building through the D-Line.”
However, the 30-year-old’s injury history was something to take into account. Over the past two seasons, he’s missed 13 games. In 2022, he missed multiple games due to a foot fracture and plantar fasciitis, per SI. Foot injuries again plagued the Oregon alum this season.
The Jaguars have agreed to contracts with the former Bills center Mitch Morse and wide receiver Gabe Davis.
Jacksonville appears to be interested in both current and former Bills players. Shortly after Buffalo let go of the center, he signed a two-year, Mitch Morse$10.5 million deal with Jacksonville. Not long after Morse joined the Jaguars, a familiar face, former Bills wide receiver
signed a three-year, Gabe Davis contract with Jacksonville. $39 million After news of the Bills signing former 49ers star Arik Armstead, the Jaguars stepped in and signed the defensive tackle.
