Armstead initially ‘shocked’ by Buckner trade, but optimistic about Kinlaw
Arik Armstead had been teammates with DeForest Buckner for seven of the last eight seasons dating back to their time at the University of Oregon. They both joined the Ducks in 2012 before becoming first-round draft choices of the San Francisco 49ers in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
The only season over that span the two were separated was in 2015, when Armstead decided to skip his senior season to go pro. Buckner stayed in Eugene, Oregon, for his last college season before rejoining Armstead in the NFL as the No. 7 overall pick a year later.
Now, San Francisco’s “Twin Towers” on the defensive line are no more. Buckner was traded to the Indianapolis Colts while Armstead stuck with the 49ers by receiving a new five-year contract worth up to $85 million.
Armstead’s new contract became official the same day Buckner was traded March 16 in one of the biggest days of the offseason calendar.
“It was an interesting day to say the least,” Armstead said on a video conference call. “A lot of excitement, of course. Signing back with the Niners, that was definitely what I wanted to do, and then learn about DeFo being traded was a shock to me.”
Buckner wound up getting an $84 million extension over the next four seasons with Indianapolis as San Francisco decided against shelling out top dollar for two defensive tackles. Armstead, an Elk Grove native, was happy to see his close friend get a lucrative contract even though it was with another team.
“Everything happens for a reason,” said Armstead. “God always has a plan. Definitely was weird not being on the same team any more, not playing alongside each other. But we’re both super blessed.
“He definitely deserves that contract. He’s an amazing player and he’s definitely going to do amazing things there in Indianapolis. Both, two huge opportunities for us. Definitely wish we were still playing together but it was beyond our control.”
Armstead is coming off a career season as a key member of San Francisco’s loaded defensive line that carried the NFL’s top-ranked defense throughout 2019. He recorded 10 sacks while showcasing versatility as a defensive end and defensive tackle. With Buckner gone, Armstead remains the longest-tenured member of the defensive line.
He’ll have big shoes to fill, both literally and figuratively, with Buckner playing elsewhere. Buckner, of course, was a team captain and the leader of the defensive line room. He even served as an extension of the coaching staff by choosing the plays for the defensive line after breaking the huddle on third downs throughout the season.
Buckner was became so important to San Francisco over the last four seasons that Armstead figured he would stick around for the long run and both players would remain with the team that drafted them.
“I figured there would be a way that we would be able to continue playing together,” Armstead said. “But losing DeFo, he’s an irreplaceable player, leader, staple in our organization so there’s definitely going to be a void there that not just one person is going to be able to fill. It’s going to be a team effort, especially our unit and our defensive line, we’re all going to have to pick it up to fill that void. I think we’re up for it.”
The 49ers appear to have plenty of talent to move forward without much dropoff. They used the pick acquired in the Buckner trade to add South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw, who should see the majority of time in Buckner’s “three technique” position right away.
They also have reigning defensive rookie of the year, Nick Bosa, entering his second season poised to become one of the premier players in the NFL, if he isn’t already. And the club is hoping Dee Ford can bounce back from his injury-plagued season in which he played just 22 percent of the snaps while still adding 6.5 sacks.
Armstead, 26, knows a bigger leadership role comes with his massive new contract. Which also means helping develop Kinlaw into another dominant player for San Francisco’s stout defense.
Kinlaw hasn’t been allowed to participate in meetings with veterans during the virtual offseason program that was extended from May 15 to the end of the month, allowing players more time to speak with coaches on video conference calls.
Armstead hasn’t studied Kinlaw extensively, but has seen what his new teammate brings to the table.
“He’s extremely talented, athletic, strong, I think he’s going to add a lot to our team,” he said. “I’m excited. ... we all have common goals, to go out there and play together and start that journey whenever that happens.”
This story was originally published May 15, 2020 at 4:00 AM.
