Offseason turbulence for the Miami Dolphins as a five-time Pro Bowl tackle After retiring, Terron Armstead might join the Broncos coaching staff.

The offseason is typically a time for NFL teams to reflect on the previous season’s successes and shortcomings, retool their rosters, and prepare for the upcoming campaign. However, for the Miami Dolphins, the offseason has been marked by unexpected turbulence, stemming from the retirement of their five-time Pro Bowl tackle, Terron Armstead. While the Dolphins have undoubtedly felt the loss of one of their premier players, a new chapter in Armstead’s career is on the horizon. Reports have emerged that Armstead, who spent just two seasons with Miami after joining the team in 2022, might be transitioning into a coaching role with the Denver Broncos.

This potential move has sent ripples throughout the NFL community, especially considering Armstead’s long and storied career as one of the league’s top offensive linemen. But his potential shift to coaching also raises questions about the state of the Dolphins’ offensive line, their plans moving forward, and how this unexpected development could affect both teams involved.

The Terron Armstead Era in Miami

Terron Armstead joined the Miami Dolphins in 2022 on a massive five-year, $75 million contract, with hopes that his presence would anchor the team’s offensive line. A Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection during his years with the New Orleans Saints, Armstead brought a level of skill and leadership that Miami sorely needed. The Dolphins’ offensive line had long been considered a weak spot on the roster, and Armstead’s arrival was seen as a transformative moment for the unit.

In his two seasons with Miami, Armstead played a pivotal role in improving the protection for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, one of the most critical aspects of the Dolphins’ offensive game plan. Despite the ups and downs of his tenure in Miami, Armstead’s influence was undeniable, with his ability to neutralize top pass rushers and his veteran leadership in the locker room standing out. However, his tenure in Miami was not without its challenges. Armstead, known for his injury struggles during his time with the Saints, was frequently sidelined during his time in Miami due to a variety of health issues.

Despite these setbacks, Armstead’s value to the Dolphins cannot be overstated. He was widely regarded as one of the most talented left tackles in the league, and his presence allowed Miami to develop a more potent offensive scheme under head coach Mike McDaniel. Unfortunately, after two years with the Dolphins, Armstead announced his retirement in a surprising and bittersweet move that caught many off guard.

Retirement and the End of an Era

Armstead’s decision to retire left a significant void in the Dolphins’ offensive line. A franchise cornerstone, his absence is keenly felt not just in terms of his on-field performance but also in terms of leadership and experience. Miami’s front office had made moves to protect their franchise quarterback, Tagovailoa, by bringing in top-tier talent like Armstead, and the thought of moving forward without him created significant uncertainty.

Though Armstead’s injuries had limited his availability in recent seasons, his talent and leadership were still major assets for Miami. His retirement now forces the Dolphins to confront the challenge of filling that void. Miami’s front office, led by general manager Chris Grier and head coach McDaniel, immediately turned their focus to addressing this gap, but Armstead’s departure was not something that could be solved in a single offseason.

While Miami has some talented players on their offensive line, including left guard Liam Eichenberg and center Connor Williams, none possess the caliber or leadership that Armstead brought to the table. Now, the Dolphins’ offensive line is under the microscope more than ever, with questions lingering about whether they can adequately protect Tua Tagovailoa and ensure their high-powered offense remains effective.

Armstead’s Potential Coaching Role with the Denver Broncos

Just as the Dolphins were coming to terms with their loss, a new development emerged that stunned many in the NFL world. Reports surfaced that Armstead, having retired from playing, was being considered for a potential role on the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff.

Armstead’s journey from player to coach is not entirely surprising given his wealth of knowledge and experience in the game. His football IQ is widely praised, and his ability to read defensive fronts, understand protections, and make quick adjustments has long been one of his standout traits. Armstead’s reputation as a leader in the locker room, especially his mentoring of younger offensive linemen, makes him a logical candidate for a coaching position.

The Broncos, under the leadership of head coach Sean Payton, have been focused on revitalizing their roster and coaching staff after a tumultuous few seasons. Denver’s offensive line has been a major area of concern, and they’ve already made efforts to address it through free agency and the draft. However, bringing in a respected veteran like Armstead as a coach would be a major boost for the Broncos’ line, and it could accelerate the development of their young players.

Reports indicate that the Broncos are particularly interested in Armstead because of his work ethic and ability to teach the fundamentals of offensive line play. As a coach, he could work closely with the offensive line, helping them develop the skills and mental toughness needed to succeed in the NFL. Moreover, Armstead’s connection to Payton, his former head coach in New Orleans, could prove beneficial. The two have a longstanding professional relationship, and Payton has often praised Armstead for his leadership and dedication.

For Armstead, the transition into coaching represents a new chapter in his career, one that could be just as impactful as his playing days. Many players who make the jump from the playing field to the sidelines often find success due to their understanding of the game at a deep level. Armstead’s decision to step into a coaching role with the Broncos, if confirmed, would be a significant development for both the team and the veteran tackle.

The Impact on the Miami Dolphins

For the Miami Dolphins, the departure of Armstead is more than just the loss of a key player—it represents a change in the team’s entire offensive dynamic. With Armstead potentially moving into a coaching role with the Broncos, Miami now finds itself navigating the challenge of rebuilding its offensive line without the guiding presence of a five-time Pro Bowler. While the team is expected to make moves to shore up the line, Armstead’s absence will still be felt.

The Dolphins will likely need to explore free agency and the draft in search of a suitable replacement at left tackle. While they have some options internally, including Eichenberg and Austin Jackson, the loss of Armstead’s leadership and expertise is a tough pill to swallow. The team will need to act quickly, as the ability to protect Tua Tagovailoa will remain one of their highest priorities. Failure to address this need could have long-term ramifications, as the Dolphins’ offense relies heavily on Tagovailoa’s ability to stay upright and perform at a high level.

 The Future of Armstead and the Dolphins

As the Dolphins look to move forward without Terron Armstead, they must acknowledge that his departure is not simply a football loss—it’s an emotional one as well. Armstead’s leadership, his high level of play, and his influence on the team’s younger players made him an invaluable asset. Now, as he potentially embarks on a new coaching journey with the Denver Broncos, Miami’s front office must focus on retooling their offensive line to continue their playoff aspirations.

For Armstead, the transition into coaching could be just as rewarding as his playing career. His wealth of knowledge and expertise could make a huge impact on the Broncos’ offensive line, potentially setting him up for long-term success in the NFL coaching ranks. Miami, on the other hand, is left with a difficult task: replacing one of the league’s most respected offensive linemen while maintaining their upward trajectory as a team.

In the end, both the Dolphins and Armstead face pivotal moments in their respective journeys, and the decisions made during this offseason will play a significant role in shaping the future of both organizations.