The Miami Dolphins only got 11 games out of Tua Tagovailoa in 2024. To no surprise, it led to a season without a trip to the playoffs, resulting in an 8-9 finish.
As long as Tagovailoa can stay in the lineup for more than 11 games in 2025, the Dolphins are expected to return to contention next season. However, they’ll have to do so without the help of their five-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman.
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Miami Dolphins don’t expect Terron Armstead back in 2025
Back in 2022, the Miami Dolphins swiped left tackle Terron Armstead away from the New Orleans Saints in free agency, signing the then-three-time Pro Bowler to a five-year, $75 million contract. He’s since made two more Pro Bowl appearances in a Dolphins uniform, but he’s never played more than the 15 games he started last season in Miami.
In fact, Armstead has played 12 years in the NFL, and he’s twice played 15 games in a single season but has never played all 16 or 17 games. Now, the soon-to-be 34-year-old is headed into the second-to-last year of his contract, but the Dolphins aren’t expected to have him back in 2025.
On Tuesday, head coach Mike McDaniel revealed that the Dolphins expect Armstead to retire this offseason and will be evaluating their left tackle options throughout the offseason. He’s contemplated retirement for several years now, but after a 12-season career, it seems Armstead is ready to hang up his cleats.
Armstead has not made an official decision to retire yet, so it’s possible he’ll have a change of heart. Yet with free agency fast approaching, the Dolphins will want to have a more definitive answer as soon as possible.
The Dolphins drafted Patrick Paul in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. After making three starts and playing in all 17 games last season, the Dolphins may already have Armstead’s replacement on the roster in Paul, who will be 23 years old when the 2025 season kicks off.
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