A 320-pound beast is being touted as a solution for the Dolphins’ Terron Armstead predicament amid Mike McDaniel’s $90 million headache.

The Miami Dolphins find themselves at a pivotal juncture. After another season marred by injuries to All-Pro left tackle Terron Armstead, the franchise has to make a difficult, long-term decision. Do they continue to roll the dice on Armstead’s immense talent despite his persistent unavailability, or is it time to move forward with a more durable—and cost-effective—solution? That answer may have already arrived in the form of a 320-pound rookie phenom who has all the physical tools to anchor the left side of Miami’s offensive line for the next decade.

Patrick Paul, the Dolphins’ second-round draft pick out of Houston, is more than just a contingency plan—he’s the potential answer to Mike McDaniel’s $90 million headache.

The Armstead Conundrum

Since arriving in Miami on a five-year, $75 million deal back in 2022, Terron Armstead has been both a blessing and a curse. When healthy, he has solidified the left side of the offensive line with Pro Bowl-caliber play and veteran leadership. But “when healthy” is the operative phrase—one that continues to haunt Dolphins brass and head coach Mike McDaniel.

In 2023, Armstead missed a large portion of the season with a combination of knee, hip, and ankle injuries. His absence disrupted the offensive rhythm and left Tua Tagovailoa exposed on too many dropbacks. At 33 years old and with a cap hit north of $20 million for 2025, the Dolphins are running out of patience—and options.

Enter Patrick Paul.

Meet Patrick Paul: A Mountain of a Man

Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 320 pounds with an incredible 36.25-inch arm length, Patrick Paul isn’t just big—he’s physically dominant. The former Houston Cougar started 44 games in college and earned First-Team All-AAC honors in each of the last two seasons. What makes Paul such an intriguing prospect isn’t just his size or accolades—it’s his raw athleticism and ferocious play style.

Scouts raved about his balance, punch timing, and football IQ during the pre-draft process. And while he may need to refine certain aspects of his game, such as pad level and lateral movement against elite speed rushers, Paul possesses all the traits of a plug-and-play NFL starter.

Some evaluators even viewed him as a fringe first-round talent. That Miami landed him in the second round could end up being one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft.

A Long-Term Investment with High ROI Potential

From the Dolphins’ perspective, the selection of Paul isn’t just about need—it’s about value. Rookie contracts for second-round picks are exponentially cheaper than those for veteran stars like Armstead. Paul will earn a fraction of what Miami owes Armstead over the next two seasons, allowing general manager Chris Grier to reallocate funds to other areas, including the upcoming extensions for Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle.

Furthermore, with Paul now in the building, Miami has leverage. They no longer have to be cornered into relying on an aging left tackle. If Paul proves himself capable in training camp and preseason action, the coaching staff will have the freedom to reduce Armstead’s workload—or perhaps part ways altogether after the 2025 campaign.

Mike McDaniel’s Calculated Gamble

For head coach Mike McDaniel, the Armstead situation has always been a balancing act. He appreciates the veteran’s leadership and skill, but he also knows that one missed assignment on the blind side can derail the Dolphins’ entire offensive strategy—especially with a quarterback like Tagovailoa, whose injury history is a constant concern.

By endorsing the selection of Paul, McDaniel signals a willingness to move forward. It’s a strategic gamble, but it’s also a necessary one. At some point, a franchise must stop clinging to the past and begin building the future. With Paul, McDaniel isn’t just betting on potential—he’s betting on stability.

Veteran Mentorship or Position Battle?

As training camp looms, one of the most intriguing storylines will be whether Armstead and Paul engage in a full-blown competition or whether Paul is groomed under Armstead’s wing for a year. The ideal scenario may involve a mix of both.

If Armstead can remain healthy enough to start the season, Paul can learn behind a master technician and gradually absorb the nuances of NFL edge protection. However, given Armstead’s lengthy injury record, the chances that Paul will be thrust into action sooner rather than later are high.

In fact, internal sources indicate that the Dolphins are already splitting reps evenly between Paul and Armstead during offseason workouts, with Paul reportedly impressing coaches with his poise and physicality.

The Bigger Picture: Protecting Tua

At the core of this discussion is one simple truth: the Dolphins’ season—and future—hinges on keeping Tua Tagovailoa upright. Miami’s offense showed flashes of brilliance in 2023 but faltered down the stretch, largely due to inconsistent protection and the toll it took on their quarterback.

Adding Patrick Paul to the offensive line could give Tua the confidence he needs to take the next step in his development. A dependable left tackle allows for quicker reads, bolder throws, and fewer checkdowns—all elements that McDaniel’s scheme desperately needs to operate at peak efficiency.

A Shift in Organizational Philosophy

The Dolphins’ selection of Paul isn’t just about filling a need. It reflects a broader shift in how the franchise is approaching roster construction. Instead of over-relying on high-priced veterans, Miami appears to be embracing the draft-and-develop model that has served teams like the 49ers and Eagles so well.

It’s no secret that the Dolphins are also up against the salary cap in a major way. Between the looming mega-deals for their offensive stars and already large investments in the defensive front, Miami cannot afford to miss on high-cost, low-availability players. Paul’s rookie contract—and upside—make him the perfect antidote to those roster-building concerns.

Terron Armstead’s Legacy—and Uncertain Future

None of this is to say that Armstead hasn’t been valuable to Miami. Quite the opposite. When healthy, he’s been one of the best left tackles in the league. His leadership in the locker room, guidance for younger linemen, and ability to anchor an offense have made him indispensable—at times.

But football is a brutal business. The Dolphins have made it clear they can no longer wait on “what if.” With the selection of Paul, the writing may be on the wall.

If Paul takes over full-time duties by midseason and shows promise, it’s likely the Dolphins will move on from Armstead before the 2026 season. Whether that comes via trade, release, or retirement remains to be seen. Either way, his era in Miami is nearing its conclusion.

Dolphins Fans React: Hope and Hesitation

The fanbase, understandably, is split. Some are excited about the future and see Paul as the physical enforcer Miami has been lacking since the Jake Long era. Others are concerned that moving on from a seasoned vet like Armstead could backfire, especially if Paul endures early growing pains.

But for most, the prevailing sentiment is cautious optimism. Dolphins fans are all too familiar with heartbreak and inconsistency. What they crave now is long-term security—especially at a position that has plagued the team for over a decade.

 The Dawn of a New Era?

The selection of Patrick Paul may very well mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Miami Dolphins. With Mike McDaniel at the helm, Chris Grier pulling the personnel strings, and a young, hungry tackle eager to make his mark, the Dolphins may finally have a blueprint for sustainable success in the trenches.

Terron Armstead’s contributions shouldn’t be forgotten, but the NFL is a forward-looking league. And the future in Miami is massive, mean, and 320 pounds of pure potential.

Only time will tell whether Paul can become the franchise cornerstone the Dolphins need. But one thing is certain—Mike McDaniel’s $90 million headache finally has a cure.