Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Potential Free Agent targets at Defensive End

Arik Armstead

Arik Armstead is another player who could become a cap casualty. The 49ers only have about $13 million in cap space so bringing him back would require a handful of roster moves as Armstead is projected to make about $17 million a year per OverTheCap.com. Also, San Francisco already has a plethora of talent along its defensive line, so the organization can afford to let him walk and address other needs on the open market.

At the beginning of his career, the former first-round pick saw his fair share of struggles. He was often injured and he missed a total of 16 games in his first three years. Even when the University of Oregon product was on the field, he wasn’t very productive as he never finished a season with more than three sacks and six tackles for loss. However, he turned things around in 2019 with 10 sacks, 11 TFLs, and a top-five Pro Football Focus grade at his position.

Is this past season a fluke for Armstead or a sign of things to come? That will be the biggest question on general manager Mike Mayock’s mind in regards to the former Duck. He might be worth the risk though, because he’s a great fit for Las Vegas’s defense.

The 5-year veteran is the traditional defensive end that Guenther covets. Armstead likes to play with his hand in the ground, can put pressure on the quarterback and hold his own against the run. If the Raiders’ decision-makers feel 26-year-old can build on his breakout season, look for him and Maxx Crosby to be staples of the organization for years to come.