Terron Armstead’s apparent decision to return for a 12th NFL season puts the Miami Dolphins on the spot.
Do they want him back — and if so, at what price?
Armstead has made the Pro Bowl in each of his two seasons since signing a $75 million contract with the Dolphins. But he’s also missed 11 games due to injury during that stretch.
His salary — over $14 million in 2024 alone — is steep for a part-time player, which is why it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Dolphins asked Armstead to take a pay cut.
If he doesn’t, they might be emboldened to move on not just by options in free agency but also due to one of the deepest tackle draft classes in recent years.
Will Miami Dolphins Draft Terron Armstead’s Replacement?
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah raved about this year’s collection of tackles during a marathon conference call with sportswriters from around the country Thursday.
“It’s a loaded tackle class, just in terms of that top group,” Jeremiah said. “There’s 10, 11 guys that are really interesting. I think we’ll see a bunch of Day 1 starters out of that tackle group.”
Count the Dolphins among those potentially looking for one of those Day 1 starters.
In his latest mock draft, PFN Draft Analyst Ian Cummings has the Dolphins trading back from 21 to 25 and taking Duke’s Graham Barton — one of seven O-linemen Cummings projected to go in Round 1.
Barton can play all five offensive line positions, and Jeremiah views his athleticism as an excellent fit in Mike McDaniel’s system. (Most expect Barton to play on the inside in the NFL.)
If the Dolphins are looking for a pure tackle at 21, there should be plenty of options. Prospects potentially available at the range include JC Latham (Alabama), Troy Fautanu (Washington), Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma), Amarius Mims (Georgia), and Jordan Morgan (Arizona).
When asked for the traits he looks for in a potential Day 1 starter at tackle, Jeremiah replied:
“You start with the feet. If you have the feet, you can get yourself out of a bad situation. If you get beat, can you recover enough to stay attached, whether it’s inside or outside? That type of athleticism is kind of the baseline.
“Can you really sit down? Can you hold your own against power? Because in the NFL, you’re going to see power rushers every week.
“And then your eyes — are you able to see things clearly? I think you’re going to see more of it; with the complexity in the college game with Michigan’s defense, the complexity of the Ravens’ defense in the NFL, everybody’s copying those schemes, which really, really challenges the eyes and the communication on the offensive line.
“Those skills I think are going to be even more important this year than I think in the past.”
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