Armstead Coming Back in 2024 ... On New Deal
The Miami Dolphins are looking at having to replace several front-line players this offseason, but it appears that Terron Armstead will not be one of them.
The five-time Pro Bowl left tackle will be back for his third season with the Dolphins after pondering the possibility of retiring, according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport.
Armstead's return will come under a restructured contract, more than likely reducing his $20.8 million cap number for 2024.
Armstead's contract technically was set to run for three more years, though his guaranteed money ended after this year.
His contract called for him to be guaranteed $14 million for being on the roster on the third day of the new league year, March 15.
Armstead joined the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent during the 2022 offseason when he signed a five-year contract after spending nine years with the New Orleans Saints.
Despite continuing his frustrating streak of dealing with injuries every year, Armstead still played well enough to earn a Pro Bowl invitation in each of his two seasons with the Dolphins.
BIG RELIEF FOR THE OFFENSIVE LINE
GM Chris Grier had addressed Armstead's status during his media session with the Dolphins writers who traveled to Indianapolis for the scouting combine.
“Terron and I had a long conversation before he left for the Pro Bowl," Grier said Feb. 28. "He said he wanted to be very fair to us. I completely respect it because I think he’s earned that right. We just said we we’re going to talk before the start of the league year and free agency happened and he was going to let us know with plenty of time where it is, so it doesn’t affect us. We’re preparing either way. You have to. I love Terron and would love to have him back. But listen, he’s done so much in this league and what he battled through last year to play for us, I really respect him and am really appreciative of him saying that he was going to let us know well before free agency started so we can plan.”
Getting Armstead back is particularly significant for a Dolphins offensive line featuring three 2023 starters scheduled to become UFAs on Wednesday — Robert Hunt, Connor Williams and Isaiah Wynn.
With Armstead returning, the Dolphins at least will have their two starting tackles left, with Austin Jackson having signed a contract extension late in the 2023 season.
Along with the three interior offensive linemen, swing tackle Kendall Lamm also is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.
