Saints officially looking for new LT with Terron Armstead heading to Miami

For the first time since 2012, Terron Armstead won’t be the left tackle for the New Orleans Saints when the season gets underway. After nine years, Armstead hit free agency and won’t be donning the black and gold for the first time in his pro career. He’ll be wearing teal and orange, as he signed a five-year deal with the Dolphins.

Armstead’s deal is for five years/$87.5 million, which, for an oft-injured offensive tackle, was probably too steep for the Saints to compete with.

There had been talks that Armstead was waiting to make his decision on where to go next until Deshaun Watson made his pick. If he had chosen the Saints, perhaps Armstead would have returned to New Orleans on a hometown discount but that didn’t end up happening.

Saints need a new left tackle now that Terron Armstead is off to Miami

What’s next for the Saints now that they won’t have Armstead at left tackle?

The easiest assumption is that James Hurst will slide in as the starter. He’s better as a backup but he’s not a terrible option. New Orleans could also give Landon Young a chance to show what he can do this summer and see if he’s a realistic option to start at left tackle.

New Orleans could also look to replace Armstead in free agency by bringing in Eric Fisher, Riley Reiff, or Nate Solder, who are some of the better names available at left tackle. The draft is another path they could take but it’s unlikely that someone like Charles Cross will fall into their laps at No. 18.

It’ll be weird not seeing Armstead on the left side of the line but I’m perfectly fine with the Saints not signing him to a five-year deal. He’s injured frequently and is 30 years old. Not breaking the bank for him was a wise decision.

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What do you think of Armstead moving on to the Dolphins?