NFL Rumors: Arik Armstead Set to Draw Interest from Titans, More After 49ers Release

The Tennessee Titans are expected to be one of the teams interested in defensive end Arik Armstead, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Matt Barrows of The Athletic reported Armstead's release from the San Francisco 49ers should be finalized Wednesday, and he said the Los Angeles Chargers could also be in the mix once the 30-year-old hits the open market.

It's anybody's guess as to how the Chargers could plausibly land Armstead when they're in dire straits financially. Los Angeles has no choice but to part ways with one or more star players in order to get under the salary cap.

While not a like-for-like replacement, pursuing Armstead would at least make sense if the team loses Khalil Mack or Joey Bosa, which would be a significant blow to the pass-rush.

The Titans have a more pressing need for help along the defensive line after 2023 sack leader Denico Autry agreed to a deal with the Houston Texans. Two-time Pro Bowler Jeffery Simmons wasn't thrilled to see the news:

Armstead isn't the only prospective target on Tennessee's list. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the team is planning to welcome edge-rusher Chase Young for a visit this week.

You'd expect Armstead's market to expand beyond the Chargers and Titans once he's officially a free agent.

Injuries caused him to miss 13 games over the past two years, and he's recovering from meniscus surgery. But he's an experienced veteran who had 27 tackles and five sacks in 2023 before tearing his meniscus.

Armstead would be a solid addition for a lot of defensive lines around the league.