Saints star left tackle Terron Armstead agrees to 5-year deal with Dolphins

Saints star left tackle Terron Armstead is headed to Miami on a 5-year deal, via @RossJacksonNOLA:

After the dust from the NFL’s quarterback shuffling finally settled, we knew the other dominos would begin to fall. Particularly pass-catchers and offensive linemen. One of the most keenly observed being New Orleans Saints free agent Terron Armstead. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Armstead will be departing on a five-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the contract is valued at $75 million, though Schefter adds it carries $43.37 million in guarantees with a maximum value of $87.5 million.

Armstead traveled Sunday night to visit with the Dolphins on Monday. Head coach Mike McDaniel and the Miami brass got the job done signing the three-time pro bowler in Dade County soon after. Armstead will now re-join former Saints teammate Teddy Bridgewater in the quarterback’s hometown. Though it is expected that the Dolphins will continue to build around Tua Tagovailoa. For the firs time in his career, Armstead will not be the team’s blindside protection as he will block for a left handed quarterback.

This has to be a disappointment for the Saints who retained quarterback Jameis Winston on Monday with a two-year deal. Keeping Armstead would have continued the team’s march for continuity and cohesion headed into the 2022 season. Now, New Orleans will have to find a new starting left tackle. They have the option of moving right tackle Ryan Ramczyk to the left side and plugging in James Hurst on the right, but could also look to this year’s draft which contains a bevy of talent in the trenches. But one thing is for sure: losing both Marcus Williams and Armstead this offseason will hurt. But How the Saints use their newly available resources could help to soften the blow.

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