BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 01: A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits on the field prior to the start of the 49ers and Baltimore Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers are releasing one of their top players in a stunning move ahead of 2024 NFL free agency.

According to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, the 49ers are releasing veteran defensive lineman Arik Armstead. Interestingly, Schultz stated that the 30-year-old Armstead decided he wanted to hit the open market:

The veteran mainstay leaves San Francisco with 33.5 career sacks, six pass defenses and three forced fumbles. Despite those strong sack numbers, Armstead’s biggest strength has been his elite run defense.

Social media was completely baffled by the 49ers’ decision to release a veteran who played an instrumental role in helping them reach two Super Bowls in five seasons:

And just like that, the elite 2024 free agent class of defensive linemen just got even deeper.