5 bold predictions for the 49ers in 2020 NFL free agency

No. 3: 49ers Apply the Franchise Tag on Arik Armstead

Emmanuel Sanders isn’t the only high-profile free agent the 49ers could potentially see go this offseason.

Defensive end Arik Armstead, who led the team in sacks last year with 10, is also poised to hit the open market. Like Sanders, the Niners have been adamant about wanting Armstead back in 2020. And according to the latest reports from ESPN’s Josina Anderson, they’re trying:

But they also understand the complexity of the situation, along with the potential risks of re-signing or placing the franchise tag on him.

The window for teams to use the franchise tag opened on Feb. 25, and it will close on March 10. Armstead said he would be open to accepting the tag, according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan. But this is where the tricky aspects of this kind of deal come to the surface.

For starters, the franchise tag would cost the 49ers a fully guaranteed $17 million on a defensive end in 2020. Both parties have a window to negotiate a new deal during that time, which expires in the middle of June, so it’s feasible Armstead and the Niners work something out long term even if the tag was applied.

Or San Francisco could trade Armstead after tagging him, something the Kansas City Chiefs did with EDGE Dee Ford before sending him to the 49ers last offseason.

Either way, if the Niners apply the tag to Armstead, they’ll at worst be on the hook for $17 million this season. Or they’ll be enticed to dish out what looks to be a lucrative contract, should no trade deal take place.

Yet if the Niners can clear up cap space between now and the mandatory 51 rule on March 18, putting a tag on Armstead can make a good deal of sense.

Let’s say it happens.