The NFL world is wondering why we haven’t heard much about New Orleans Saints free agent tackle Terron Armstead and now we know why. According to Matt Miller, Armstead is waiting to see if his team of nine years ends up trading for Deshaun Watson before making a decision as to where he wants to go next.
Armstead is slated to earn a nice payday on the free-agent market but perhaps if Watson comes to the Big Easy, he’d be willing to take a pay cut to protect the blindside of the former first-round selection.
Miller noted that this is what is slowing Armstead’s signing and it makes sense.
Terron Armstead update: Multiple sources I've talked to today believe the OT is waiting to see if the Saints land Deshaun Watson before deciding his next home. As of now, that's what I'm told is slowing his signing.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 15, 2022
Terron Armstead is waiting to see what happens with Deshaun Watson.
The Saints are still in the mix to trade for Watson, as they reportedly met with him on Monday along with the Panthers. On Tuesday, both the Browns and Falcons were also said to be interested in the Texans quarterback, who is for sure going to be in a different uniform in 2022.
I’m told QB Deshaun Watson has interest in the Atlanta Falcons and has even reached out to the franchise personally, per source. https://t.co/wdQfgaXGjR
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 15, 2022
Armstead is someone the Saints could desperately still use moving forward but the big issues with keeping him were cost and previous injuries. Armstead hasn’t started every game in a regular season since he entered the league in 2013 and that, paired with the price it’ll take to keep him, made it seem almost too likely that NOLA would move on from him.
If Watson comes to New Orleans, Armstead could be interested in playing with Watson. He wouldn’t be able to be a part of a potential trade package if there were to be the case. If the Saints ended up having to part with Ryan Ramczyk as part of a deal, Armstead could be someone they’re able to retain after all.
"3 potential trade packages the Saints could make for Deshaun Watson"
Fans are conflicted with the Watson news for various reasons and it’s understandable as to why. Getting Armstead back for less money would definitely be a good thing for this organization though.