Dolphins aware of ‘possibility' 2024 could be Terron Armstead's last in NFL
MIAMI GARDENS — The Dolphins are approaching Terron Armstead’s future realistically.
Armstead will turn 33 just before training camp. He has had far more than his share of injuries yet battled through them to make the Pro Bowl both of his seasons in Miami. Even though he and the club reworked his contract to allow him to return in 2024 — after some thought about retirement — it’s obviously possible that this will be his final NFL season.
“We always knew that possibility could be with him,” general manager Chris Grier said.
More: NFL Draft prospects agree on who inspires them to greatness: ‘My mom, definitely'
Grier explained that the organization routinely takes “a two-year look into the future.” It’s key given the salary cap, not to mention the fact that the sport’s high injury rate can easily leave teams out in the cold if they don’t plan well.
So, even though the Dolphins appear set with Armstead as the starting left tackle and Austin Jackson on the right, protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side, Grier could draft a tackle next week even if it’s with an eye on 2025.
Grier seemed to indicate the Dolphins have an idea of Armstead’s timetable.
“We’re very respectful of his time and to his credit, he is an incredible communicator,” Grier said. “I’ve gotten to know him over the last couple years — he is a fantastic person. So I’m very glad he is coming back because he has impacted that room so much with those young guys and helped Austin and all those guys grow and Liam (Eichenberg), so having him back is important. But you always look at every position when you kind of go through it and try and look and try and anticipate what some of the issues could be in the future.”
Armstead missed four games in 2022 and seven in 2023, although he started the Dolphins’ playoff games both of those years. The Dolphins also have Kendall Lamm as a reliable backup at tackle. Lamm started eight games last season.
Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal.
Click here to subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Terron Armstead could retire after 2024: How Miami Dolphins prepare
