Retirement was known to be a distinct possibility in Terron Armstead‘s case this offseason well before it became official he will no longer play in the NFL. The 12-year veteran addressed his injury issues and their role in his playing days coming to an end. 
Armstead was consistently one of the league’s top blindside protectors when healthy during his time with the Saints (2013-21) and Dolphins (2022-24). Remaining available proved to be a problem on both teams, however, as he played 10 or fewer games six times in his career. In particular, a knee ailment suffered in 2015 led to lingering problems through the remainder of Armstead’s tenure.
“I’ve been dealing with a knee since my third year in the league,” the 33-year-old said during an appearance on The Nightcap Show (video link). “I didn’t see a practice field at all, and not because I didn’t want to or the Dolphins just wanted me to rest. It’s like I literally couldn’t walk. After a game on Sunday, I wouldn’t be able to walk on my own, under my own power, until Wednesday, Thursday.
“So I was only able to play under the pain meds. I couldn’t put any pressure on my knee, so it was like, I can’t keep doing that to myself.”
Considering Armstead managed to collect five Pro Bowl nods between 2018 and 2023, he was certainly able to maintain a high level of play well after suffering the initial injury. His inability to recover in full makes his decision to hang up his cleats an understandable one, however. The former third-rounder amassed over $115MM in earnings during his NFL tenure.
The Saints’ decision to allow Armstead to depart in free agency in 2022 created a notable vacancy at the left tackle spot. First-round picks have since been used on Trevor Penning (who will shift to guard in 2025) and Taliese Fuaga (who will move to right tackle after operating on the blindside last season). No. 9 pick Kelvin Banks is in position to start at left tackle as a rookie with New Orleans still attempting to find a long-term Armstead replacement.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, will rely on Patrick Paul to handle blindside duties in 2025. Selected in the second round of last year’s draft, Paul made three starts during his rookie season. A strong showing this year would set him up to provide Miami with a left tackle starter for years to come.
Armstead’s plans for his post-playing future are unclear at this point. Needless to say, though, he will aim to move past the issues related to his knee which proved to be prevalent through much of his career.