Dolphins LT Terron Armstead, who considered retirement, will play in 2024

Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead, who publicly pondered retirement, will return for his 12th season, NFL Network reported Sunday.

While head coach Mike McDaniel said at the NFL Scouting Combine in late February that he was still giving Armstead time to decide, the Miami Herald previously reported that the expectation was for Armstead to play in 2024. General manager Chris Grier said at the Combine that he expected an answer from Armstead on his future before the start of free agency.

The Dolphins and Armstead are also working to finalize an adjusted contract, according to NFL Network. A reworked deal would seemingly give Miami, which is more than $20 million over the salary cap, some savings. Armstead was set to have a cap hit of $20.8 million in 2024, the fifth largest on the team.

The Dolphins have to be cap compliant by the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Armstead, a five-time Pro Bowler, has three years and $40 million left on his contract but only $5 million is currently guaranteed. $8.25 million of Armstead’s $13.25 million 2024 base salary becomes guaranteed on March 16.

On locker cleanout day, Armstead hinted that he could consider retirement after another injury-hampered season. And at the Pro Bowl, Armstead told reporters that retirement is still possible but won’t “prolong the process at all. I’m just taking time to get away from the game and let my body heal.”

But Armstead, who turns 33 in July, is set to return for his third season in Miami. He signed a five-year, $75 million contract in the 2022 offseason but has missed 11 games since joining the Dolphins. Armstead has never played the entirety of a season, which he said is a goal of his.

“I love the game. I love the game,” Armstead said on locker cleanout day. “As an artist once said, the moment you stop having fun with it, I’ll be done with it. I’m having a blast. I love what we’re building. I’m chasing a ring. That’s the only reason I’m playing football.”

The return of Armstead will be a lift to an offensive line that could face upheaval this offseason. A trio of starters — center Connor Williams, right guard Robert Hunt and left guard Isaiah Wynn — are unrestricted free agents. The only other projected starter under contract for the 2024 season is right tackle Austin Jackson.

This story may be updated.