The cash-strapped New Orleans Saints will have a tough time retaining longtime left tackle Terron Armstead as he hits free agency for the first time in his Pro Bowl career. Armstead is likely to move on to a playoff contender on the open market. What will his next contract look like?
Terron Armstead: Free Agency Overview
In his 10th NFL season, Armstead will look to cash in on a big contract for perhaps the final time in his special run. After nine years in New Orleans, Armstead will likely leave town due to the Saints’ rough cap situation.
Recapping Armstead’s 2021 season
Coming off three consecutive Pro Bowl seasons, Armstead had a down year in 2021. With Drew Brees no longer in the mix, Armstead’s first season in his 30s was forgettable. He appeared and started in just eight games, as knee and elbow injuries sidelined him for most of the campaign.
Armstead is likely to face questions about his age and medical status in free agency. A team with a major need at left tackle might be able to push past last season’s outlook because of Armstead’s previous success.
Armstead’s contract estimate and salary cap implications
Armstead has made $68.1 million in his nine seasons with the Saints. Last season, he earned $11 million. Despite his recent medical woes, Spotrac lists his annual market value at $23.9 million, which would be a massive raise for Armstead. With limited left tackle options in free agency, he is in a position to land a blockbuster deal on the open market.
Possible landing spots for Armstead
Armstead should draw plenty of interest on the open market, especially from playoff contenders. Both Super Bowl teams, the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, are likely to check in on Armstead this offseason, and they have enough cash to entice him to sign with them. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Chicago Bears also have plenty of cap space and a need at left tackle.
What they’re saying about Armstead
“He’s been playing at a really good level, both in the run and pass. The issue with him is going to be the age and how you structure a contract with that. … [He’s likely to sign] more of a short-term [deal], going to a playoff-caliber team and a chance to win it all.” –- Longtime NFL scout to Pro Football Network on Armstead’s free agent outlook.