Terron Armstead, a renowned NFL offensive tackle, has announced his retirement following 12 impressive seasons in the league. Armstead played for the New Orleans Saints from 2013 to 2021 and subsequently for the Miami Dolphins from 2022 until 2024. Recognized for his exceptional skills, he leaves behind a legacy that includes multiple Pro Bowl selections and a significant impact on the teams he played for, especially as a cornerstone in each franchise’s offensive line.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Armstead’s Career Highlights and Achievements |
| 2) The Journey from New Orleans to Miami |
| 3) His Impact on the Dolphins Offensive Line |
| 4) Future Prospects for the Dolphins |
| 5) Reflections on a Remarkable Career |
Armstead’s Career Highlights and Achievements
Terron Armstead’s NFL career is marked by numerous accolades and milestones that underscore his position as one of the premier offensive tackles in football. Drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, Armstead quickly proved his worth on the field. Throughout his career, he secured five Pro Bowl selections, which ranks him fourth among offensive tackles for that period, alongside notable players such as Laremy Tunsil from the Washington Commanders. Only Trent Williams, Tyron Smith, and Lane Johnson have more Pro Bowl appearances than Armstead.
In addition to his Pro Bowl accolades, Armstead was named a second-team All-Pro in 2018, further solidifying his reputation in the league. His time with the Saints coincided with the team establishing itself as a formidable offensive force, consistently ranking among the top 10 in scoring during his tenure. This success was pivotal, especially considering it spanned the transition period following the retirement of legendary quarterback Drew Brees in 2021. Armstead’s ability to protect the quarterback and facilitate the run game was central to the Saints’ tactical setup.
The Journey from New Orleans to Miami
After eight notable seasons with the Saints, where he became a household name, Armstead transitioned to the Miami Dolphins in 2022. During the offseason, he signed a lucrative five-year contract worth $75 million, which illustrated the Dolphins’ commitment to strengthening their offensive line. This move not only brought Armstead’s experience to Miami but also reflected the organization’s intention to uplift their overall performance and competitiveness in the league.
In his first two seasons with the Dolphins, Armstead continued to showcase his talent, earning two more Pro Bowl selections. His adaptability and skills proved essential in helping the Dolphins navigate challenging matchups throughout the regular seasons. Miami’s decision to acquire Armstead was based not only on his past accolades but also on the anticipation that his leadership and experience would enhance the skills of younger linemen and contribute to the development of a robust offensive strategy.
His Impact on the Dolphins Offensive Line
Armstead’s performance with the Dolphins was characterized by impressive Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades, highlighting him as one of the top offensive tackles in professional football. In 2024, Armstead was rated as the fourth-best offensive tackle by PFF, with an overall grade of 89.4. Notably, he excelled in critical areas such as pass protection and run blocking, with a pass-blocking grade of 84.8 and a run-blocking grade of 83.4, placing him among the elite in the league.
As Miami’s left tackle, Armstead provided stability and assurance to the quarterback, especially Tua Tagovailoa; given Tagovailoa’s injury history, having a dependable offensive lineman like Armstead was essential in minimizing hits and keeping plays alive. The synergy between Armstead and the Dolphins’ offensive strategies demonstrated his significant role in enhancing the team’s overall productivity on the field. His departure now poses challenges as the franchise seeks to replicate his effectiveness and mentoring within the team.
Future Prospects for the Dolphins
With Armstead’s retirement, the Miami Dolphins now face a pivotal moment as they look to fill the gap left by one of their cornerstone players. The Dolphins have other options on their roster to consider for the left tackle position, including the recently drafted Patrick Paul, who stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs 332 pounds. Paul was chosen in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 55th overall pick, indicating the franchise’s strategic foresight in planning for a future without Armstead.
Additionally, Miami holds a valuable position in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, armed with the 13th overall pick among six selections in the first five rounds. This opens up potential avenues for the Dolphins to explore targets that could not only fill Armstead’s role but also enhance their offensive line’s depth and quality. As the Dolphins’ management enters this crucial phase, addressing their offensive line needs will be instrumental, particularly in light of their aspirations for success and sustaining performance in an increasingly competitive NFL landscape.
Reflections on a Remarkable Career
In a heartfelt social media post, Armstead expressed gratitude towards the Dolphins’ organization, his teammates, and the fans. He stated,
“To the Miami Dolphins organization, all my teammates, and all the fans, THANK YOU, and I love you!!! Fins Up!! It has been amazing being a part of such a historic franchise! Forever in my heart, forever grateful!”
His reflections on his career highlight the impact he had not only on the field but also within the locker room and community.
As Armstead concludes his career, he leaves behind an indelible mark on the NFL, remembered not just for his achievements but also for his character and determination. His legacy will likely inspire future generations of players who aspire to emulate his commitment to excellence. Armstead’s contributions to the teams he played for, particularly his leadership during critical moments, will resonate as one of the defining features of his professional journey.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Terron Armstead retires after 12 seasons in the NFL |
| 2 | He played for the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins |
| 3 | Armstead accumulated five Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod |
| 4 | The Dolphins now look to replace him with potential candidates |
| 5 | His impressive career is marked by contributions to team success |
Summary
Terron Armstead’s retirement marks the end of an era for the NFL offensive tackle, who has made a significant impact on the game over the past decade. His career, highlighted by numerous accolades and contributions to his teams’ successes, sets a high standard for future offensive linemen. As the Miami Dolphins transition in the wake of Armstead’s departure, the organization must strategically navigate upcoming drafts and player development to maintain their competitive edge in the NFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What teams did Terron Armstead play for during his NFL career?
Terron Armstead played for the New Orleans Saints from 2013 to 2021 and the Miami Dolphins from 2022 until his retirement in 2024.
Question: How many Pro Bowl selections does Armstead have?
Terron Armstead earned a total of five Pro Bowl selections during his NFL career.
Question: What are the Dolphins’ plans following Armstead’s retirement?
The Dolphins are exploring options to replace Armstead, including developing current players and utilizing their sixth picks in the upcoming NFL Draft to select a new left tackle.
