The Miami Dolphins needed to make an addition on the offensive line to protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and this front office did just that. Former New Orleans Saints left tackle Terron Armstead has agreed to a five-year, $75 million deal with Miami, per NFL Media's Tom Pelissero. The deal includes $43.37 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, and has a max of $87.5 million with incentives.
Armstead's average annual value of $15 million is tied with Taylor Decker of the Detroit Lions for 12th in the NFL, per Spotrac.
One interesting caveat concerning Armstead's decision in free agency is that he won't be Tagovailoa's blind-side blocker if he remains on the left side because the young signal-caller is left-handed. Armstead topped CBS Sports' list of best available free agents, as he was the top tackle in this free agency class. While Armstead played in just eight games in 2021 due to injury, he registered a 75.9 PFF grade while allowing just one sack, two QB hits and 12 pressures in 263 pass-blocking snaps.
Originally drafted in the third round out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 2013, Armstead has made three Pro Bowls over the last four seasons. Injuries have been an issue, however, as he's never played a full season in nine years.
Armstead is not the only starting offensive lineman Miami has signed this offseason, as the Dolphins snagged guard Connor Williams from the Dallas Cowboys. With new offensive-minded head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins have added plenty to that side of the ball in running backs Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert, and wide receiver Ced Wilson. However, McDaniel understands that successful offensive play hinges on quarterback protection, and his front office scored a huge piece in Armstead.
- Miami's offensive line problems: The Dolphins needed to overhaul their offensive line this offseason if they want to compete. PFF listed them as the worst unit in the league at the end of the 2021 season, as they surrendered a league-high 235 pressures. It not only affected the Dolphins' play-calls with their quarterbacks having to get rid of the ball quickly, but also has affected Tagovailoa and his development. In Week 2 vs. the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa took a brutal sack that resulted in several fractured ribs after Jesse Davis was beaten off the edge right after the ball was snapped. If you keep him upright, he should improve -- and so should this team at large.
- Dolphins' draft plans: Could this addition change the Dolphins' draft plans? Honestly, it's too tough to tell. Miami holds the No. 29 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, which means they can go several different ways depending on how the board falls to them. CBS Sports NFL Draft expert Chris Trapasso still believes the Dolphins go offensive line, as he has them taking Northern Iowa offensive lineman Trevor Penning in his mock draft published on Wednesday.
- What will the Saints do now?: The Saints always knew losing Armstead in free agency was a possibility, so they should have given some thought to a contingency plan. There are some options in free agency such as Duane Brown and Eric Fisher, but the Saints could also look to use their first-round pick on a new left tackle. At No. 18 overall, the aforementioned Penning could be in play for New Orleans. There's also Tyler Smith from Tulsa, who could be a left tackle at the next level.
