Pros and Cons of Lions Signing DL Arik Armstead

Arik Armstead would provide pass-rush boost to Lions.

Through the first three days of the 2024 offseason (including the first official day of free agency), the Lions have yet to make a “splash” signing. And, they've been criticized by some – i.e. 97.1 The Ticket's Mike Valenti – for such. 

That would all change if Detroit general manager Brad Holmes goes out and acquires former longtime San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead. 

Armstead, a 2015 first-round pick of San Francisco, was released by the 49ers Wednesday. The 6-foot-7, 290-pounder logged 302 total tackles, including 43 for loss, 88 quarterback hits and 33.5 sacks in 116 career games in San Francisco.

Equipped to play both along the interior of the defensive line and at EDGE, the 30-year-old would provide the Lions with a solid veteran pass-rushing presence.

In 12 games with the 49ers in 2023, he amassed five sacks, 13 QB hits and 42 total pressures in 360 pass-rush snaps. He was also 10th among all NFL defensive tackles in pass-rush wins, per ESPN Analytics. For his efforts, he finished with a career-best Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade of 85.1 and a PFF overall mark of 81.9. 

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Although Armstead is perhaps entering the end of his prime as an NFL player, there is no doubt that he can still play (as evidenced by his production a season ago). He'd be a nice complement to Alim McNeill on the interior, plus a rather sufficient EDGE complement to Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson.

Just don't count on Armstead for much run-defense help. Over the last two seasons, he's amassed subpar run-defense grades of 59.1 (2022) and 59.8 (2023) from PFF.

I also wouldn't count on him to play in a full season's worth of games. He battled foot and knee injuries the final five games of the 2023 regular season, and underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus this offseason. The last time he suited up for an entire season came during the 2021 campaign.

Still, on a short-term deal (let's say a two-year deal), I think it'd be worth it for Holmes & Co. to offer the veteran lineman a contract. Armstead could provide just the kind of pass-rush boost Detroit needs to take the next step and reach the Super Bowl in 2024.