The Miami Dolphins still don’t know if Terron Armstead intends on playing in 2025, but they’re not counting on it.
“He’s not totally ready to make that decision,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Tuesday at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. “As a result, I think we have to operate as though he won’t play – just because you have to prepare for things that you can’t control. But I think he’s going to take his time with his family and loved ones and make that decision because it is not an easy one. But we will be operating as though we are moving on in that way, simply for the execution of free agency and the draft.”
Armstead, 33, sounded like he was leaning toward a return when he spoke to reporters on radio row before Super Bowl LIX. But the five-time Pro Bowler’s retirement wouldn’t necessarily be bad news for the Dolphins.
If the oft-injured offensive tackle hangs up his cleats, it would clear $15 million in space for the salary cap-crunched Dolphins.
Miami drafted Armstead’s eventual replacement when they took Patrick Paul in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft, and Paul is itching for the opportunity to take the reins.
During his time on the field, Armstead has still been a very reliable player. He earned the team’s highest grade from PFF in 2024, but missed two games and sat out for stretches in another five games. In 12 seasons in the NFL, Armstead has never played in more than 15 games in a year.