Arik Armstead reveals AFC South contender that tried to trade for him

Defensive lineman Arik Armstead, a first-round pick by the 49ers in the 2015 NFL Draft, became one of the top free agents on the open market when he was released by San Francisco last month after declining to take a pay cut.

The 30-year-old went on to sign a three-year contract worth up to $51 million with the Jaguars in free agency, but he revealed another AFC contender tried to acquire him before he could hit the open market.

“The Texans tried to trade for me, didn't even want me to become a free agent," Armstead said on his "Third and Long" podcast. "I thought I was going there. Trade fell through. Boom, I end up hitting free agency."

Armstead didn't discuss what Houston was willing to offer the 49ers in a potential trade, but this isn't entirely surprising after the offseason the Texans have had thus far.

Houston has added several key players over the last month, signing defensive end Danielle Hunter and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair in free agency while trading for Bengals running back Joe Mixon and Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

If the Texans had been able to add Armstead to their roster, it would have only added to their very active offseason.

Instead, Jacksonville was able to land him, which is good because the team needed to strengthen its defensive line following the loss of defensive end Foley Fatukasi (Texans) in free agency. Armstead now fills that vacancy and is arguably an upgrade.

Armstead has dealt with knee and ankle injuries over the past two seasons, but he has still been impactful on the field. In Super Bowl LVIII, Armstead recorded one sack and six total tackles in the 25-22 overtime loss to the Chiefs.

It's safe to say it worked out well for the Jaguars as they'll now force their AFC South rival Texans to face the player they tried to obtain at least two times a year for the next few seasons.