Miami Dolphins' Terron Armstead gets a hat tip from rival AFC executive in latest ESPN rankings

Terron Armstead has been a strong contributor on the Dolphins' offensive line.  That is, when he's been on the field.

Unfortunately, that's been the story throughout Armstead's injury-plagued career.  A third-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, Armstead has always been a load to handle.  He was one of the more productive tackles on the NFC as he helped protect Drew Brees during a time while the Saints largely stood atop the divisional standings.

However, a variety of injuries have cost the veteran lineman on an annual basis.  Through eleven NFL seasons, Armstead hasn't managed to stay healthy for any of them, playing a career-best 15 games in 2019.

However, he's still managed to earn the respect of those around the league, as evidenced by his inclusion in the "honorable mention" category of ESPN's top 10 list of offensive tackles as determined by NFL executives, scouts, and coaches.

One rival executive said the following about Armstead:

"Still playing at a starting caliber level despite his age (33 this month). Can still move and disrupt vs. the run and the pass. Still needs to be accounted for."

Armstead signed with the Dolphins on a 5-year, $75 million contract back in March 2022.  Armstead fought his way through injuries to play in 13 games in 2022.  However, a knee injury suffered in joint practice with the Houston Texans in the preseason limited him and affected him throughout the 2023 season.  Between the knee issue and back and ankle injuries on top of that, he appeared in just 10 games.

Armstead considered retiring in the offseason, but after reflecting, he decided to return for the 2024 season, giving a boost to Miami's offensive line this upcoming season.

Beyond 2024, it remains unclear at this point whether Armstead will continue playing.  The Dolphins did spend a premium draft pick preparing for the future, selecting Houston OT Patrick Paul in the second round with the 55th overall pick back in the 2024 NFL Draft.

However, at least for one more season, the Dolphins will have the services of their veteran left tackle, and we'll see if he can finally find some better luck with the injury bug for the first time in a very long time.

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