One of the top free agents in the NFL is officially off the block. Terron Armstead, who’d spent his entire career with the New Orleans Saints, is headed to the Miami Dolphins.
The three-time Pro Bowl tackle (2018-20) announced the move on Tuesday. Armstead channeled his inner LeBron James, saying “I’ll be taking my talents to South Beach” while putting a Dolphins hat on.
🐬🐬🐬 pic.twitter.com/zY0VcBWVeM
— T. Stead 🎤🎧 (@T_Armstead72) March 23, 2022
Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that it was a five-year, $75 million deal.
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Former Saints OT Terron Armstead, the No. 1 FA, is signing a five-year, $75 million deal, plus incentives, with the Dolphins, per @TomPelissero + @RapSheet https://t.co/a11rW6P5hE pic.twitter.com/01a0lV1b8W
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 22, 2022
Armstead also had a nice parting message for New Orleans.
New Orleans!! I LOVE YOU FOREVER!!
⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ Thank You!!! 💙— T. Stead 🎤🎧 (@T_Armstead72) March 23, 2022
Armstead was originally ranked by Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com as the No. 4 free agent in this year’s class. With the three above him (Davante Adams, Chris Godwin and J.C. Jackson) all having previously signed, Armstead was No. 1 at the time of his decision.
Such a high-profile player signing a deal was bound to draw a big reaction. An emotion several people had was excitement — both for Armstead as well as the Dolphins.
Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh big bro 😭 cant wait to get ya tesla after you buy ya new one 😂 @T_Armstead72 but im happy for you big time gang!!! https://t.co/ueGFHA8O4l pic.twitter.com/AjG1FH9TIO
— BIG BUST 77 (@BigTicket73) March 23, 2022
I’m so happy. My god , thank you baby Jesus 🤟🏼 https://t.co/t1cz6JtHHd
— Jayk Purdy (@jaykpurdy) March 22, 2022
Well deserved! We gotta hop on the duty soon for old times sake. @T_Armstead72 https://t.co/7iHyUlIhWI
— G1 Savage (@kennyvaccaro) March 23, 2022
The AFC asleep at the wheel while Miami gets better? https://t.co/Gc8ohLfPnN
— Jay Shatara WWMT (@JShataraTV) March 23, 2022
There’s another layer to this signing — what it means for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Armstead is the latest in a long line of offensive additions to the Dolphins. Miami’s new coach, Mike McDaniel, also has a background in offense. To that end, Tua should be ecstatic.
Tua right now pic.twitter.com/g5E3ALNw9D
— 🐬 Trate121 🐬 (@MayitoQuintero) March 23, 2022
Live look at Tua: pic.twitter.com/LG179LoJ5w
— Let’s Go Mets! &🐬⬆️ (@Hotstover) March 22, 2022
Tua how do you feel about the signing of Armstead? pic.twitter.com/Eo4kcC9V4e
— Smart Guy (@SmartJames1981) March 23, 2022
Tua foundation happy about the signing 👀🙌🏼😁 pic.twitter.com/FM7q93I0bP
— Tili🌺 (@tili____) March 23, 2022
But while it was a near consensus that the signing will be good for Tagovailoa, some took a slightly different angle. That was that with the talent around him, Tagovailoa will have heavy expectations in 2022.
The offensive additions in Miami so far this offseason:
LT Terron Armstead
LG Connor Williams
WR Cedrick Wilson
RB Chase Edmonds
RB Raheem Mostert
FB Alec IngoldAll investments that should make Tua an improved player next season.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 22, 2022
The Dolphins seem to be making all the right moves! We’ll find out REAL soon if Tua’s the guy. #FinsUp https://t.co/6jcc1YIYdm
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) March 23, 2022
If Tua fails this year it wont be due to a lack of surrounding talent https://t.co/c9AOHljw9g
— Anthony Amico (@amicsta) March 22, 2022
The pressure will definitely be on the left arm of the third-year signal caller.
[Terron Armstead, Around the NFL]
