San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead has decided to become a free agent and will be released, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Sunday.
The 49ers reportedly approached Armstead about taking a "significant" pay cut, which he declined, resulting in his release, per NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco.
Armstead was set to enter the final year of a five-year, $85 million contract in 2024.
Armstead has been with the 49ers for nine seasons since he was drafted in 2019. The veteran had 27 tackles and five sacks last season and notched six tackles and a sack in the Super Bowl.