The Miami Dolphins have officially confirmed the retirement of left tackle Terron Armstead, as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. This announcement, which the Dolphins had anticipated, marks the end of a significant chapter for both Armstead and the team.
Drafted as a third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2013 out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Armstead enjoyed a commendable nine-year career with the Saints before spending the last three seasons with the Dolphins. Throughout his career, he was selected as a five-time Pro Bowler and earned a second-team All-Pro designation in 2018, showcasing his talent and dedication on the field.
In the 2024 season, Armstead started 15 games for the Dolphins, proving to be a crucial part of their offensive line. With his retirement, the Dolphins will now face the challenge of filling the void left by this talented left tackle. One potential in-house candidate is Patrick Paul, a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, who could step up to take on this pivotal role.
As the Dolphins look to strengthen their offensive line, they may also explore options in the upcoming draft. Armstead was under contract through 2026, and the Dolphins have the option to delay the processing of his retirement until after June 1. This strategic move would allow them to split the cap charge, with $7.316 million impacting the current season and $10.732 million applying to the 2026 season, providing some financial flexibility as they navigate this transition.
Even though Armstead is no longer part of the Dolphins organization, his influence remains. During Super Bowl week, he addressed concerns about the team's internal culture, stating, “I think we need more of an edge, more of an attention to detail and the small things. The word soft makes me cringe. I’ve never been associated with the word so it’s hard to even talk about.” His departure leaves the team with the task of embodying his call for toughness and resilience moving forward.
As the Dolphins bid farewell to Terron Armstead, they enter a new era with opportunities for growth and improvement on the horizon. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to this significant change on their roster.
