The Miami Dolphins are proceeding this off-season as if star offensive tackle Terron Armstead will retire, head coach Mike McDaniel said Tuesday at the NFL scouting combine.
“We’ve been in direct contact with Terron as recently as last week,” McDaniel shared at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. “Terron understands that, from an organizational standpoint, we need to plan accordingly.”
He added, “Given Terron’s ability and situation, he’s not fully ready to make a decision yet. So, we have to assume he won’t play in order to prepare for any uncertainties we can’t control.”
McDaniel continued, “I think he’s going to take his time, consult with his family, and make the right decision because it’s not an easy one. But for now, we’ll operate as if we need to move forward without him to manage free agency and the draft.”
Armstead, 33, signed a five-year, $75 million deal with the Dolphins in 2022, which he later restructured. He’s set to receive a non-guaranteed $13.3 million base salary in 2025 and is under contract through 2026.
Armstead started 15 games last season but has been plagued by injuries, missing seven games in 2023 and four in 2022.
Offensive tackle Patrick Paul, a second-round pick by the Dolphins in the 2024 NFL Draft, appeared in 17 games last season, including three starts. He could be among the players getting more opportunities if Armstead retires. Austin Jackson is expected to be the other starting tackle for the Dolphins next season.
