Lions reportedly among teams interested in soon to be cut defensive lineman

The Detroit Lions are pretty clearly in the market for defensive lineman, even of they smartly stayed out of the high-priced end of the market. Defensive tackle D.J. Reader is set to visit on Thursday, but they won't be stopping there.

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston, along with reporting the San Francisco 49ers have acquired defensive tackle Maliek Collins from the Texans, reported the Lions are among the teams interested in Arik Armstead.

The Texans, Bengals and Lions have been added to the previously reported Titans as teams with interest in Armstead.

As Wilson noted, Armstead has not yet been officially released by the 49ers. But after declining a pay cut as he enters the final year of his contract, he is in line to be released. It's likely to be designated as a post-June 1 cut due to cap implications for San Francisco, but that doesn't matter to the team that signs him.

Update, 4:30 p.m. ET: The 49ers officially released Armstead at the start of the new league year.

Detroit Lions rumors: Arik Armstead on the radar

Armstead has spent his entire career with the 49ers since they took him 17th overall in the 2015 draft. Over 12 games last season, he had five sacks as he finished 10th among interior defensive lineman in ESPN's pass rush win rate (13 percent). Pro Football Focus had him fifth-best among interior defensive lineman in pass rushing.

Armstead is obviously experienced, and playoff experienced. He's also able to play inside or out on the edge. Those things should give him a broad potential market, beyond the four teams who have already been reported to have interest once he's officially available.

For the Lions, it stands to come down to how much Armstead wants in a new contract and competition may drive his price up beyond where they'll be be comfortable. But in an immediate sense, Armstead belongs on the radar as a potential addition in the next wave of free agency.

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