Deebo Samuel Did Not Appear Happy After 49ers Released Defensive Captain

The San Francisco 49ers have been active early on in free agency, both in securing some important signings as well as freeing up cap space by parting ways with players.

Among those to leave the team this offseason was veteran defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who was released Wednesday ahead of the final year of his contract. Armstead was due to make $17.4 million in base salary while carrying a cap hit of $28.3 million, prompting the team to cut him at the start of the new league year.

That’s a decision that not everyone on the team seems to have been on board with. Star wide receiver Deebo Samuel reacted to the news of Armstead’s release on social media, indicating he wasn’t pleased to see his longtime teammate get let go.

Samuel posted a series of face-palming emojis on his Instagram story in response to a report of Armstead’s release. 

Armstead, 30, had been with the 49ers since 2015 when he was selected as a first round pick out of Oregon. He was the longest-tenured player on the roster prior to his release. Based on Samuel’s reaction, it’s safe to say he earned the respect of his peers.

Ahead of Armstead’s release, San Francisco signed veteran defensive end Leonard Floyd to a two-year, $24 million deal in free agency.