One of the biggest storylines of the Dolphins’ offseason is what the team plans to do at left tackle.
In an ideal world, Miami likely wants to see left tackle Terron Armstead back protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. But the 33-year-old veteran is currently weighing his options. In part due to his recent injury history, Armstead is still figuring out if he plans to continue his NFL career.
“He’s a consummate professional that has earned this opportunity to figure out what he wants to do with his life,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said earlier this week. “I just feel he’s getting close [to a decision]. He’s getting closer to having conviction, but we’re in constant communication with him as well.”
With Armstead and the Dolphins not yet having a plan for his role on the team, the sides have agreed for Miami to operate as if he won’t be there, and that’s how McDaniel said he is proceeding.
In February, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Armstead planned to take his salary down to the minimum — a move that cleared $13.745 million in salary cap savings.
While Miami is not assuming Armstead is returning next year, the team hasn’t done much to prepare for his absence. The Dolphins signed former Bears tackle Larry Borom and re-signed Jackson Carman to one-year deals. If he doesn't return, it'll presumably be 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul who steps into the lineup.
Given the current state of the Dolphins offensive line, it'd be a surprise if Armstead didn't continue being an important part to the unit if he returns.
“It hasn’t ever been about Terron’s play,” McDaniel said. “It’s been about how he’s been available and he’s been straining to be more available for us than probably a counterpart would; he’s played through a lot of stuff. I think we’re fortunate that we have a heavy amount of reps on the topic and we’ll be able to have a conversation about what that looks like… and if he would be able to compete to be able to withstand the rigors of the season as a starter.”
The team has not put a timetable on his decision, but it’s likely the upcoming 2025 NFL draft could signal his decision. Miami has the option to take an offensive tackle at No. 13 overall if they are under the impression Armstead has played his final snap in the NFL.
Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, spent a few years playing with Armstead. But even he is still not sure if the veteran will retire or continue playing.
“Honestly, I don’t know,” Mostert said on The Dive Bar Podcast. “Him talking to me and the type of relationship we have, I wouldn’t put it past [if] that he wants to play again just because [of] the type of player he is. But then I also know I’m in several different business things with him, too, so I know he likes the business side of things, and he wants ...
