SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ What's going to happen with Arik Armstead?
That's one of the most pressing questions hanging over the 49ers at the moment as they wait for the new collective bargaining agreement to get ratified (or not), giving players some clarity on the future and allowing them to start inking new contracts.
Armstead, of course, is San Francisco's top candidate for the franchise tag. The 26-year-old unrestricted free agent is coming off the best season of his career when he led the team with 10 sacks along the NFL's most imposing defensive lines. He had nine sacks the previous four seasons combined _ and he hasn't missed a game since 2017.
The versatile d lineman would likely push for a defensive end designation if tagged, which could pay him a fully guaranteed $19.3 million on the exclusive tag or $16.3 million on the transition tag, allowing other teams to make offers the 49ers could match.
If there's no new CBA in place before the new league year, San Francisco could use the franchise tag and transition tag on a different player _ which could impact decisions around free agents like receiver Emmanuel Sanders or safety Jimmie Ward.
The franchise tag window is open through March 12. The other big complication: having some $18 million in cap space, though the 49ers could make cuts to make more money available.
There was a report from ESPN Monday that said the 49ers want Armstead back and "are working on getting a deal done, per source."
That aligns with what team officials have said since the end of the season, noting the franchise tag was an option they could use with Armstead. Though the uncertainty surrounding the CBA has slowed down the process league-wide.
"Arik is an excellent player," general manager John Lynch said last month. "He had an excellent year. I think everything is on the table. We want to find a way to keep him and make him a part of the 49ers for a long time."
ESPN's report indicates the 49ers are looking to get a multiyear agreement done with Armstead because the franchise tag wouldn't include much negotiation. Armstead said when the season was over he would play on the tag in 2020 rather than holding out for something with more long-term security.
But the situation appears fluid and a lot of other variables are on the table. Let's take a look at three of the most likely outcomes for the Armstead and the 49ers as he wades into free agency.
