4. Re-signing Arik Armstead
It would’ve been difficult to justify letting Armstead walk after he churned out 10.0 sacks to lead the club in that category last season. He wound up inking a five-year deal worth $85 million with $48.5 million guaranteed. Armstead’s versatility makes him a unique and effective player for the 49ers’ defensive line. He can play on the edge where he’s among the best run defenders in the NFL, but he can also kick inside and rush the passer from the defensive tackle spot. The former first-round pick needed a few years to finally break out, but getting him back under contract helps San Francisco maintain continuity along a defensive line that was among the NFL’s best last year.