The Miami Dolphins have another need to add to the list this offseason after star left tackle Terron Armstead announced his retirement Saturday night.
The five-time Pro Bowl selection agreed to a significant contract restructure earlier in the offseason to bring his base salary down from $13.3 million to the veteran minimum of $1.2 million for the 2025 season. It brought his cap hit down from $22.9 million to just over $9 million, according to Over The Cap.
The Dolphins will still owe guaranteed money on Armstead’s contract in the form of a prorated signing bonus, but now they’ll have to find his replacement for the upcoming season.
Terron Armstead replacements
The first option the Dolphins may consider is already on the roster. Miami used a second-round pick on offensive tackle Patrick Paul out of Houston during the 2024 NFL Draft, and he got some work at left tackle during second half of his rookie season last year.
Paul struggled to establish himself as a consistent option on the left side but there’s always a learning curve for rookie offensive linemen, especially when they’re thrust into a prominent role in the middle of the season. The 6-foot-7 blocker allowed three sacks and 15 total pressures on 229 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He also committed five penalties.
The top options in free agency aren’t all as appealing. Former Cleveland Browns first-round pick Jedrick Wills Jr. is still available while 34-year-old Tyron Smith could still be looking for work at the end of an illustrious career. Those are probably the top plug-and-play options.
If the Dolphins wanted to bring in more competition for Paul, their best option is likely to take the route in the 2025 NFL Draft.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Holding the No. 13 overall pick could net a solid prospect who could start right away. However, the opportunity cost could lead to Miami losing a starting-caliber defender such as cornerback Will Johnson or safety Malaki Starks.
The top options at offensive tackle that might be available at No. 13 include Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., Missouri’s Armand Membou and Michigan’s Will Campbell.
Miami already had some issues on the offensive line, but the urgency to add premier talent to the unit may increase following Armstead’s retirement.
MORE NFL NEWS:
Read the full article here
