The Jacksonville Jaguars aren’t ready to move on from Arik Armstead anytime soon. The veteran defensive tackle is entering his 12th year in the NFL, and showed last year he is still capable of playing at a high level. But more than that, he’s made a big impact off the field, too.
In a recent press conference with Jaguars position coaches, defensive line coach Matt Edwards had strong words as to what Armstead is still able to offer the team, even at 32 years old.
“Let’s just start with the things that he gives us day in, day out, and that’s a veteran presence,” Edwards said. “That’s a lot of knowledge, not just for young players, but for everybody in the room We’ve seen Arik impact games in both the run and the rush, and the biggest thing for us is just making sure that we are taking the proper steps in maintenance, because it is a long season, so we make sure that we can take care of his body, which, he’s unbelievable. He’s a true pro in that sense. Our biggest job is getting Arik the looks that he needs every week so that he’s prepared for the game, and then getting him to the game so that he can be his most effective.”
Armstead was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, where he played until coming to Jacksonville in 2024. That season, he was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, but it was in 2025 that he had a bounce-back season on the field, albeit one cut short by injury.
Through the first 12 games, he had 41 quarterback pressures, the third-highest mark among defensive tackles, and was near the top of his position group in sacks. A hand injury slowed him down, but he was still a productive pass rusher overall.
And, from Edwards’ remarks, he is incredibly valued in the Jaguars locker room. There are a lot of young up-and-coming players behind him, and as Edwards pointed out, there is a lot they can learn from Armstead before he becomes a free agent in 2027.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars coach praises Arik Armstead’s impact on and off field
Reporting by Casandra Chesser, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Casandra Chesser, Jaguars Wire | USA TODAY Network
