Campanile on what Jaguars need from Arik Armstead in 2026 season

The play of Arik Armstead this season will go a long way in determining just how good the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive tackle unit can be in 2026.

Last season was a tale of two halves for Armstead. Through 12 games, Armstead totaled 41 quarterback pressures, the third-highest mark among defensive tackles during that stretch. He was also near the top of his position group in sacks.

However, he would have to work through a hand injury during the latter portion of the season, and his production dipped. From Weeks 13-18, he ranked 60th in pressures.

Armstead regaining that first-half form will be critical for the Jaguars this season.

“We just need the production that we were seeing before Aric got hurt,” DC Anthony Campanile said. “And as he came back obviously he pushed through it, pushed through an injury at the end of the year and Aric is a huge guy inside. He creates great middle push. He’s got elite pass rush value for us. So we just need him to keep going the way he’s been going.”

With Armstead not generating as much pass rush production down the stretch in 2025, the Jaguars struggled to get after the quarterback from the defensive tackle position.

While this defense was among the stingier units in football last season and the best against the run, creating a more consistent pass rush from inside can help take this overall defensive unit to a new level in 2026.

When the defensive tackles are able to generate steady push up the middle, every other defender on the field benefits from that. It is the quickest way to slow any offensive play.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars coach details next steps for Arik Armstead in 2026 season

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