Arik Armstead admitted to some hurt feelings from the San Francisco 49ers releasing him.
After nine seasons in San Francisco, the 49ers cut the defensive lineman when Armstead declined to take a reduced salary. He later signed a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
On Wednesday night, Armstead posted a brief video promoting an upcoming Third and Long podcast episode. The clip teases some thoughts regarding his 49ers exit.
“First off, I want to say I don’t have any animosity toward the organization — Kyle [Shanahan], John [Lynch], the York family,” Armstead said. “I did feel extremely disrespected.”
The video censored the part where Armstead revealed San Francisco’s precise contract offer.
“The fans deserve to know what happened,” Armstead said. “You know, I had to make some decisions.”
Armstead recorded 13 quarterback hits and five sacks last season before recovering a fumble in San Francisco’s NFC Championship Game victory over the Detroit Lions. He concluded his 49ers tenure with 302 tackles.
The 30-year-old was slated to make $17.4 million this season before the 49ers cut him. Armstead will instead receive $14.5 million in Jacksonville.
Armstead joins a Jaguars defense that finished No. 22 in total yards allowed following a late-season swoon that cost them the AFC South crown. He’ll team up with fellow first-round picks Josh Allen and Travon Walker to form a formidable pass rush.
Armstead will presumably have much more to say about the situation in the full podcast episode, which is scheduled to drop on Thursday at 4 p.m. ET.