Arik Armstead hasn’t had to wait long to sign with a new squad, but that team won’t be his next stop for the collaboration. The Jaguars have signed the former 49ers defensive tackle, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. This is a $51 million, three-year deal, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.

The 49ers cut Armstead before free agency opened, but it was expected that he would quickly spark a lot of interest. As of Thursday, there were no established ties between Jacksonville and the teams vying for the former first-round pick, including the Bills and Texans. But the 49ers were led by Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke when Armstead was

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Titans, in addition to Buffalo and Houston, were considering Armstead. She continues, “The latter franchise even went so far as to arrange a player-for-player trade.” The 49ers and Texans discussed trading Armstead and Malcolm Collins before Houston agreed to terms with Danielle Hunter, an edge rusher. According to Russini and colleague Matt Barrows, the agreement is what caused the deal to collapse. Nevertheless, Armstead will still be moving to Duval County shortly after Collins is ultimately transferred to San Francisco.

The former recorded the third-highest number of sacks in his career in 2023 with five. If Armstead can stay healthy and play for Jacksonville, he might be a reliable interior pass rusher, especially considering that stat was obtained in just 12 regular-season games. His participation in all three games of San Francisco’s postseason—which culminated in a trip to the Super Bowl—will be much appreciated by the Jaguars.

Josh Allen, the team’s leading rusher, was the target of Jacksonville’s predictable franchise tag use. The two-time Pro Bowler and Travon Walker will stay on the edge for at least one more season, but negotiations on a long-term contract will go on. Armstead, a member of the improved Jags D-line, will play in between the two. Baalke gave Devon Hamilton a three-year, $34.5 million extension last offseason, and the two will remain partners for many years to come.

In terms of cap space, the Jaguars were in the bottom half of the league as of Thursday, though this time of year, as with all situations, things can change quickly. It would be difficult for the team to pull off any more large-scale transactions, but if Armstead continues to produce well in his second professional chapter, this move could end up being a wise one.