How Arik Armstead’s release impacted the 49ers locker room

Something has changed with the 49ers culture.

For years, the best players all sacrificed money because they thought the organization would take care of them and they would win a Super Bowl. But now they’ve lost two Super Bowls and the organization just released Arik Armstead, who was the 49ers’ longest-tenured player and a perennial Walter Payton Man of the Year candidate.

Armstead’s body is clearly falling apart and releasing him was the right move for the 49ers, but he was extremely respected in the locker room. He was a captain, leader and mentor to many young players. And the 49ers tried to cut his salary from $18 million to $6 million before ultimately releasing him.

If the 49ers did this to a captain who has been with the organization for nine years, they would do this to anyone. And suddenly all the star players are fighting to get every penny they’re worth.

Christian McCaffrey had no guaranteed money left on his contract and he is a 27-year-old running back. If he gets hurt this year and misses a lot of games, the 49ers might want to cut him. So he resisted OTAs and fought for a new contract, which the 49ers gave him.

Trent Williams no longer has guaranteed money on his contract and misses a few games each season. If he misses several games this year, the 49ers could cut him because he’s getting older. So now he would also like a new deal.

Just a few years ago, the 49ers stars were all vacationing together in Cabo with head coach Kyle Shanahan. Those days are long gone. Now everyone wants to get theirs.