The Miami Dolphins were hit with devastating news on April 5th as veteran left tackle Terron Armstead announced his retirement from the NFL. Armstead’s departure marks a seismic shift in the Dolphins’ offensive line, one that had already been weakened by the departures of key players over the past seasons. This retirement could have profound implications for the team’s ability to protect their franchise quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, whose health and safety have been a significant concern due to his history of concussions.

Armstead, who joined the Dolphins as one of the most reliable and accomplished left tackles in the league, was instrumental in providing stability and protection to the Dolphins’ offense. His departure leaves a big hole at left tackle, and with the team already struggling to find reliable protection, this loss could be the final straw in an offensive line that has faced multiple challenges in recent years.

In 2024 the Dolphins lost Robert Hunt to the Panthers, and this offseason they saw Robert Jones head to the Cowboys in free agency. Both of these players were starting guards, and their exits only compounded Miami’s offensive line struggles. Now, with Armstead’s retirement, the Dolphins are faced with a situation where they must urgently address the most critical position group on a team in the offensive line and focus on protecting their quarterback.

A Fragile Future for Tua Tagovailoa

Tua Tagovailoa’s future in the NFL is uncertain, and the team’s ability to protect him could determine his longevity in the league. The young quarterback has already dealt with multiple concussions, and the specter of an early retirement looms over him. In fact, few quarterbacks in the league may rely more on strong protection than Tua, who has shown a history of being more vulnerable to hits due to his play style and injury history.

Without adequate protection, Tua’s potential for success is severely limited, and his career could be cut short prematurely. Armstead’s retirement could be seen as the tipping point for the Dolphins’ offensive line, which has been a weakness for several seasons. If Miami does not address this issue head-on, they risk sabotaging Tua’s development and ultimately hindering the team’s chances at a deep playoff run.

A Priority for the Dolphins

With the offensive line now in critical need of reinforcements, it is clear that Miami’s top priority for the remainder of the offseason should be to overhaul and solidify the front five. The team has already taken a step in the right direction by bringing in James Daniels via free agency. Daniels, a versatile player who can slot in at either guard spot or center, will be a valuable addition to the line so long as he stays healthy. However, more work is required to fully address the issues along the line. Here are 5 candidates the Dolphins should target in order to address this need.

The Case for Brandon Scherff

In free agency, one of the best remaining options for Miami is veteran right guard Brandon Scherff. At 33 years old, Scherff is still playing at a high level. He played over 1,000 snaps for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, allowing zero sacks and only two penalties. Despite being on one of the worst offensive lines in the league, Scherff managed to earn a solid 74.5 pass-blocking grade, showcasing his ability to maintain elite play even in difficult circumstances.

Scherff would be an immediate upgrade to the Dolphins’ offensive line and provide a steadying force alongside Daniels. With Scherff on board, the Dolphins could slide Daniels over to the left guard position, helping to stabilize the interior of the line. Scherff’s experience and high-level play could provide the Dolphins with the leadership and stability they desperately need.

Potential First Round Solutions for Miami

With the 13th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, the Dolphins are in a prime position to select a blue-chip prospect who can make an immediate impact on their offensive line. One potential target is Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. Banks is a reliable and refined pass blocker, starting 42 games at Texas. While not an elite athlete, Banks excels at keeping his quarterback upright with excellent technique and poise in pass protection. His solid frame and experience would make him an ideal choice for the Dolphins if he’s available at 13 as someone that the team should be comfortable starting right away.

If not Banks, the Dolphins should turn their attention to Alabama guard Tyler Booker. Booker is widely regarded as the best guard prospect in the 2025 draft class. His size, strength, and exceptional technique make him an ideal fit for any team. With elite fundamentals and experience against top-tier competition, Booker would be an immediate starter for Miami and help anchor the offensive line for years to come. These are two players that would mark the start of a turn around for Miami’s offensive line, finally going in the right direction. Getting a high level prospect that can comfortably start immediately would be the best allocation of Miami’s resources.

More Draft Talent to Add to the Mix

In the second round, the Dolphins can still find impactful players to bolster their offensive line right away. At pick 48, one intriguing option is Aireontae Ersery, a 6’6″ tackle from Minnesota. Ersery possesses impressive athleticism and size, running a 5.01 40-yard dash. He’s a powerful player who can anchor an offensive line and potentially start on either side. He is a young tackle with sky high upside the team would be comfortable developing into a long term piece. If he slips to 48, the Dolphins should seize the opportunity to add him to the roster.

Another potential target at pick 48 could be Donovan Jackson, an athletic guard from Ohio State. Jackson impressed with his strength and athleticism throughout his entire career, well earning recognition as one of the best linemen in the country. He especially continued to thrive playing perfect football throughout Ohio State’s run to the National Championship. While he may not be as polished as Booker, Jackson has a high ceiling and still is talented enough for the Dolphins to be comfortable starting him at guard right away.

Patrick Paul’s Development

If the Dolphins don’t purse offensive line very heavily this offseason, Patrick Paul is likely the cause. Patrick Paul the Dolphins selected in the second round of the 2024 draft. Paul is a raw, lengthy tackle with great potential, and the team has been developing him behind the Terron Armstead the past year. If the Dolphins are confident in Paul’s progress, they may feel comfortable starting him at left tackle and leaving the line as it is. However, it would be wise for Miami to still target another tackle to provide competition and depth. I personally am a believer in Patrick Paul, however it would be too risky in my eyes for Miami not pursue an offensive tackle as Paul is an unknown, Austin Jackson isn’t quite the caliber of a starting right tackle a franchise hopes for, and there is little to no depth behind their current 2 starting tackles. There is plenty of room for improvement from their current tackle group and it is never bad to have 3 good offensive tackles. Even if they are satisfied with Austin and Pual though, the Dolphins should still view offensive guard as a top need for the team.

Conclusion: A Critical Offseason for Miami

The Dolphins’ offensive line has long been a weak point, and with Terron Armstead’s sudden retirement, Miami faces an even steeper challenge. Protecting Tua Tagovailoa should be the Dolphins’ top priority, as his health and future in the league are at stake. The Dolphins need to address their offensive line quickly and decisively, with a combination of free-agent signings and high-impact draft picks. Whether it’s through Brandon Scherff in free agency or young linemen in the draft, the time to strengthen the offensive line is now, before it’s too late for both Tua and the team’s championship aspirations.

Photo Credits: Sport Illustrated, Miami Herald, Motorcycle Sports, Five Reasons Sports Network, Minnesota Gophers, The Washington Post