The Miami Dolphins suffered a major blow late in the offseason as one of the team’s most prominent veterans, Terron Armstead, decided to call it a career.
After a 12-year NFL journey, Armstead was a key part of the Dolphins’ offensive line and one of its most consistent players. Even before his time in Miami, he had already built an impressive résumé with the New Orleans Saints, earning three Pro Bowl selections, making multiple playoff runs, and earning an All-Pro nod.
The move is big news for a Dolphins team coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign and looking to bounce back next season.
Terron Armstead Officially Retiring
A party he hosted in the city became the official setting for Armstead to announce his retirement. Teammates past and present were in attendance as he shared the news.
A track athlete in high school, Armstead’s strong college career led to a record-breaking NFL Scouting Combine performance, where he posted the fastest 40-yard dash for an offensive lineman at 4.71 seconds.
That effort helped him land in the NFL when he was selected by New Orleans in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Armstead went on to spend nine seasons with the team, collecting three Pro Bowl nods and a second-team All-Pro selection.
In 2018, Armstead was named a team captain — a role he also held during all three years of his stint with Miami. Throughout his career, he was a respected figure in the locker room and earned the admiration of his quarterbacks.
Drew Brees, NFL legend and Armstead’s former Saints quarterback, was among those in attendance. The Super Bowl champion took the mic and praised his longtime teammate.
“Twelve amazing years in the NFL. The mainstay wherever he went.” And for Brees, Armstead’s potential was obvious from Day 1.
“I will never forget the day he showed up in our locker room back in 2013. He didn’t start off that year as the starter, but it became evident very clearly that this guy was not only going to be a starting left tackle for us for a very long time, but he was going to be a leader in our locker room, he was going to be a leader in the huddle, and he was going to be a leader throughout the league.”
Armstead proved that every step of the way.
“He’s exemplified what it takes to be a champion in this league and in the locker room and with his teams for a long time. This is how I define (leadership). Leaders make those around them better. They bring out the best qualities, the best traits. They instill confidence.
“They make you feel that you can do something that maybe you didn’t think you could do. Those are the best leaders. They also inspire you every time you wake up. When you walk into that locker room, body’s hurting, you’re not sure if you’re going to be able to make it out to practice, you don’t know if you’re going to make it to Sunday.
“But then you think about the guys that have invested so much, that have sacrificed so much, that have laid it on the line day after day? You think to yourself, ‘Damn, I am not gonna miss it. I’m going to do whatever I have to do to get out there. Because I want to win, not only do I want to win, I want to win a championship and I want to win it for somebody like that,'” Brees said, pointing to Armstead.
What Armstead’s Retirement Means for Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa has been one of the biggest injury concerns at quarterback since taking over for the Dolphins. A history of concussions makes every snap a risk.
Last season, he missed six games, and the Dolphins failed to reach the playoffs. With that in mind, Miami must give him top-tier protection.
However, the offensive line finished 27th in PFSN’s OL+ metric. That won’t cut it. Losing a proven veteran like Armstead is a major blow to an already shaky unit.
While the Dolphins had been preparing as if he wouldn’t return, now it’s official. And heading into the NFL Draft, protecting Tagovailoa must be a top priority.
Last year’s rookie, Patrick Paul, is expected to take over in the starting lineup. But replacing someone who made two Pro Bowl appearances in just three seasons with the team won’t be easy.
With Armstead’s departure and Calais Campbell signing with the Arizona Cardinals, Miami now loses two respected veteran voices. The pressure will fall on head coach Mike McDaniel and the locker room to step up and fill that void.