The Miami Dolphins are making a bold financial move that has sparked speculation about veteran left tackle Terron Armstead’s future. Instead of playing out his original contract, Armstead is set to take a significant pay cut that drastically alters the team’s financial outlook heading into the offseason.
The unexpected news raises questions about Armstead’s long-term plans and what it means for Miami’s roster as it navigates key free agency and NFL Draft decisions.
Dolphins’ Terron Armstead Retirement Rumors Fly After News of Salary Cut
The decision, first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, creates $14 million in cap space for the Dolphins while allowing Armstead to remain with the team as he contemplates his future.
“Dolphins LT Terron Armstead plans to take his contract down to minimum, I’m told, from the $28.6M he was set to make,” Rapoport posted on X on Feb. 25. “That allows the team to make all the necessary moves they want to make and allows Armstead, 33, to be on the team until he makes his decision on his future.”
#Dolphins LT Terron Armstead plans to take his contract down to minimum, I’m told, from the $28.6M he was set to make.
That allows the team to make all the necessary moves they want to make and allows Armstead, 33, to be on the team until he makes his decision on his future. pic.twitter.com/IrRf7yaj42
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2025
Per the “Cap & Trade” podcast, the restructure creates $14 million in cap space. Had Armstead been cut before June 1, the savings would’ve been a mere $4.3 million. It keeps the potential for Armstead’s return alive, but Miami is operating differently.
Before the news of the restructured contract, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel spoke as if Armstread’s retirement was imminent.
“He’s going to take his time with his family and loved ones and make that decision because it’s not an easy one,” McDaniel said at the NFL Combine on Feb. 25. “But we will be operating as though we’re moving on in that way simply for the execution of free agency and the draft.”
Armstead Left Door Open for Potential Return to Dolphins
Armstead, a five-time Pro Bowler, turns 34 in July. When asked about his potential return during the Super Bowl, he left the door open to a potential return. He’s currently under contract in Miami through the 2026 season.
“[I] feel good, feel great, man. I’m just enjoying it right now, enjoying the time with my kids and all those great things,” Armstead told PFSN at the Super Bowl. “I’ll be talking to the Dolphins’ front office pretty soon to figure out the direction and path that we’re looking to go, but [I] feel great.”
While Armstead decides on his future, Miami shifts its focus to free agency and the draft, with second-year tackle Patrick Paul emerging as a potential replacement. The move signals a changing of the guard for the Dolphins, who will have extra flexibility to address key roster needs in an offseason full of tough decisions.
Armstead Echos Sentiments of Dolphins Fans Everywhere
Armstead feels the disappointment of Dolphins fans over their frustrating 2024 season and expressed as much.
“It was frustrating,” he said. “It was a frustrating year. Disappointment, honestly, if I can just sum it up. We lose our quarterback early, and it was just really hard to find points,”
“And we tried to ride the ship, and I’m super grateful for the team for that part. You know what I mean? We really stretched and clawed to get back and got ourselves a chance to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, we fell short, dealing with more injuries, which was a disappointment overall.
“And in order for us to move forward in the right direction, there’s gonna have to be some more retooling and refocusing and really locking in on the small things.”
It’s looking like that’s not something Armstead will have to worry about this coming season.