Predicting which pending free agents 49ers re-sign in 2020

Defensive Lineman Arik Armstead

One of the other reasons bringing Emmanuel Sanders back will be tough is because of the 49ers’ intent to re-sign defensive lineman Arik Armstead to a long-term deal.

While a 2020 franchise tag is always an option, John Lynch told reporters he’d like to have Armstead around for the long term. That would also likely prevent Armstead from commanding somewhere around $17 million, which he’d likely get on the tag.

San Francisco can free up some much-needed money this offseason for Armstead, probably by making moves like cutting running backs Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon, as well as wide receiver Marquise Goodwin.

And if Armstead gives the Niners a home-town discount, also sticking around with his defensive linemate and former teammate at the University of Oregon, DeForest Buckner, it seems feasible the 49ers’ only player to record double-digit sacks in 2019 winds up coming back again.

In doing so, the 49ers ensure the potency of a stacked defensive line remains in place for the upcoming season.

Prediction: Re-signed