Story by
Jaguars' strategy with Arik Armstead raises questions after making him a top-paid player
- Story by
- Jaguars' strategy with Arik Armstead raises questions after making him a top-paid player
In March, the Jacksonville Jaguars made several splash moves to bolster their roster during free agency. None of the signings, perhaps, was more valuable than defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who was brought in to help solidify a struggling defensive line and add a championship-pedigree player to the defense.
Armstead's addition to the roster was the next move in a slew the team made on that side of the ball. Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson fired nearly his entire inaugural defensive coaching staff, including coordinator Mike Caldwell , in January.
Advertisement
Josh Hines-Allen isn't done yet: We have not 'checked out' for 2024 season
Ushered in was play-caller Ryan Nielsen , a new staff tasked with overhauling the unit. Additionally, Jacksonville added defensive backs Ronald Darby and Darnell Savage via free agency.
Both players have been starters this season.
Yet, Armstead has started zero games despite being the team's prized free agent at an annual average value of $14.5 million. Armstead signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with Jacksonville that includes $28 million guaranteed, according to Spotrac .
Setting the number of starts aside, Armstead's production and overall snaps deserve a bit more analysis.
Advertisement
Jaguars plan for Arik Armstead , snap count, production begs questions
At first glance, bringing in Armstead to solidify and bolster a struggling defensive line from a season ago, seemed like a good idea.
During his nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers , Armstead was one of the top defensive tackles in the league, making his money battling against guards in San Francisco, primarily playing inside. In 97 starts, Armstead accounted for 319 solo tackles, 45 tackles for loss and 91 quarterback hits.
With Jacksonville, however, Armstead's role has shifted, putting him outside at defensive end more often than not, essentially splitting his time.
Advertisement
Armstead has accounted for 14 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and one sack (Week 1 vs. Dolphins). It should be noted, though, that Armstead entered the offseason and training camp this year rehabbing from offseason knee surgery due to a meniscus injury sustained during his final season with the 49ers. He missed all of camp and the preseason due to the injury.
Still, his usage this year has raised question marks 10 games into the season. Armstead has played just 46% of the team's defensive snaps , down from 65% last year with the 49ers. If he keeps pace, it will mark Armstead's lowest snap total since his rookie season (33%, zero starts through 16 games).
Armstead has averaged 33 snaps per game played this year. That mark trails defensive tackles DaVon Hamilton (42) and Jeremiah Ledbetter (36) and is tied with DT Esezi Otomewo . Otomewo has been active for four games, while Ledbetter has played in eight.
According to NFL Pro, Armstead ranks 105th in pressures with 15 this season. That ranks third on the team behind Josh Hines-Allen (42) and Travon Walker (38).
Advertisement
Jaguars, Armstead offer perspectives on position switch, adjustment
Sep 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) is sacked by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Given his low snap total and overall productivity, Nielsen has been asked about Armstead multiple times this year and was specifically asked a couple of weeks ago about his usage, playing inside and out.
Nielsen explained Armstead's usage and what he sees in the player moving forward.
"Yeah, we discussed inside, outside, kind of with the guy. When we signed him, it was more of an outside vision and move him inside on third down just depth chart-wise and things and kind of where he wanted to play and things like that," Nielsen said in late October. "A lot of the situational stuff, putting him inside, that's where he's playing in two-minute, things like that. But he definitely can go inside," Nielsen said.
Advertisement
According to NFL Pro, Armstead has played 193 snaps as an "EDGE" and 113 snaps at "DT."
As an EDGE, Armstead has accounted for five quarterback pressures, nine stops and 13 tackles. As a defensive tackle, Armstead has posted 10 pressures, one sack and four stops. He's primarily used as a pass rusher on "tackle" downs, while working as a run-stopping edge on early downs.
"It's just when do we want to start working him in there and you may see him coming up here, moving inside on nickel situations, things like that. But he's got to continue to play the left end position and that takes a little time of playing from inside and outside and we've got to get him a few more snaps out there and get him — he's comfortable at it, just more snaps at it," said Nielsen.
Armstead said last week that he feels like he's adapting well to his new role.
Advertisement
"Just trying to do what is asked of me and keep getting better each week," Armstead said outside the Jaguars locker room.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead (91) talks with defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during an organized team activity Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla.
"When they were recruiting me, I guess, essentially that was a plan that they had for me of playing defensive end here. I agreed with with plan," said Armstead.
"I have been playing inside, so I didn't know what to really expect, but when I started talking to them, I was like 'How do you guys want to use me?' It was playing defensive end from there and I was like 'Okay, sounds cool.' I've done it before, and [it's] something that I can do."
Advertisement
Armstead explained that when he was going through free agency, he asked teams what their plans were for him and that was the plan Jacksonville laid out.
"I agreed to it," he said.
The transition hasn't come without ups and downs for the 10th-year vet. But he says he wants to do what the team asks of him and feels he's up for the challenge.
"Everything is difficult," Armstead said when asked how difficult it's been to play defensive end instead of inside at tackle full-time. "Each season brings new challenges and adversity. I'm always a player who tries to do what my coaches and my team asks of me and need from me and that's what it is. So, I feel like I can help in a lot of ways, but just try to do what's asked of me."
Advertisement
As Armstead navigates his role with Jacksonville, the team will need to make a decision on best practices for next year. Armstead will be under contract and won't be able to be offloaded due to his deal . He will be with the Jaguars through at least the 2025 season.
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82 .
If you're a subscriber, thank you. If not, please consider becoming a subscriber to support local journalism in Northeast Florida .
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars' Armstead adjusts to new role as team's strategy is questioned
