berlin1688 Eric Armstead is hoping to return to being a top defensive player in the 2025 season under the new Leopards head coach.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Eric Armstead, 31, plans to shift to the interior and return to being a top player in the 2025 season after a dismal first season with the Jaguars, the Florida Times-Union reports.  berlin1688

Armstead had to take some time to adjust after nine years with the San Francisco 49ers, as he was forced to play an unfamiliar position in 2024 after being moved from Intermediate Defense to Rotational Edge, which affected his play and resulted in a career-low two sacks.

‘Looking back, looking at the big picture, for me, I haven’t played in a long time,’ Armstead said. ‘For me, it’s a change of position. I have a lot of plans for next year, so I’ll just let it go.’

The Jaguars signed Armstead to a three-year, $51 million deal on March 15, 2024, just two days after he was released by the 49ers, but he failed to make a meaningful impact playing behind Trayvon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. 

That helped Jacksonville’s defense drop from 17th to 27th in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed, matching the worst mark in franchise history in 2020.

The Jaguars are looking for a new head coach to replace Doug Pederson, which has Armstead hoping to return to playing more of his best position. 

‘That’s going to be my plan,’ the 31-year-old said. ‘That’s what I want to do this season as well. There are certain situations you have to deal with in this league. I’m going to come back inside, which is what I want to do this season, and I’m going to come back and play as the top player that I know I can.’ 

‘I’m a guy who’s been through a lot. I feel like every situation in the league is something I can get through and I’ve always overcome. You can look at my track record and the situations I’ve been through.’

‘I’ve been in situations like this before where I had to overcome something and get over it. I’m excited to do that next year.’ ( berlin1688 )