Dolphins' Terron Armstead announces retirement after stellar career

David Furones, South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Apr 5, 2025

Published in Football

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MIAMI — Terron Armstead will always be known for doing everything in his power to make it to NFL game day Sundays through injury.

But the Miami Dolphins left tackle has decided he has seen the last of those grueling playing days.

Armstead, 33, called it a career Saturday night, announcing his retirement from professional football at a private event in Wynwood, near the heart of Miami.

Armstead retires following 12 NFL seasons, the last three coming with the Dolphins after he joined the team by signing a five-year, $75 million contract in free agency in 2022. He was a Pro Bowl selection in his first two seasons in Miami, making it five for his career after coming in with three Pro Bowls in his first nine years with the New Orleans Saints.

A decision from Armstead was expected soon as coach Mike McDaniel, at the NFL annual meeting last week, noted the team was in constant communication with him and that word could be received within two weeks. The event invitation for Saturday’s party offered a possible hint, with a reference to stepping into a next chapter.

Last offseason already presented Armstead with a decision on whether to play the 2024 season. He ultimately decided to return, but the Dolphins began to shape their future plans at left tackle, selecting Patrick Paul in the second round of last year’s draft.

With Armstead moving on, Paul now figures to slide in to starting duties at left tackle, opposite Austin Jackson at right tackle. Miami added guard James Daniels in free agency, while re-signing Liam Eichenberg and seeing Robert Jones go to the Dallas Cowboys. With Aaron Brewer the starting center and Larry Borom signed as a possible reserve lineman, the Dolphins can still be projected to add more depth along the line in the late April NFL draft and maybe another free-agent signing.

At the NFL scouting combine in late February, McDaniel said the Dolphins would operate in the offseason as if Armstead wasn’t returning. That same day, Armstead brought his salary cap number down to the minimum to give the team cap space to maneuver.

Armstead has often dealt with injuries in his career, missing an average of more than five games per season since 2016. Last year, he played in all but two games, but there were multiple instances where he had to tap out of a game with his knee not feeling up to snuff early in the outing. A lasting image was captured by CBS cameras during a December home game against the New York Jets when Armstead sat on the bench with a look of disappointment and helplessness over his injuries.

One thing that can never be questioned about Armstead, aside from his tried and true commitment to playing if he physically can, is that, when available, he was a sound and solid blocker both in the run game and pass protection.

The 2025 season will present a change in leadership for the Dolphins. Armstead’s retirement announcement comes within the week of defensive tackle Calais Campbell opting to sign with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. Miami will move on without its most experienced veteran on both offense and defense next season.

Top players like wide receiver Tyreek Hill and cornerback Jalen Ramsey may need to be stronger leaders next season to keep the team together, along with growing leadership from such players as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, fullback Alec Ingold, defensive tackle Zach Sieler, linebacker Jordyn Brooks and others.