There’s already been considerable speculation linking the Cincinnati Bengals to Terron Armstead, the massively-talented New Orleans Saints left tackle headed for free agency in March. And it makes sense given all the attention Cincinnati has given to past Saints free agents, and the fact that standout quarterback Joe Burrow was just sacked 19 times in postseason play. There’s an obvious need and precedent for a connection there.
But Armstead is going to be one of the most hotly-contested free agents on the market. Franchise left tackles with Pro Bowl honors and All-Pro accolades like him don’t become available every day. Almost every team with a promising young passer and a turnstile or two along the offensive line is going to give him a call.
Sure, it’s possible Armstead gives the Saints a hometown discount (as Demario Davis did not long ago, for example) to avoid free agency altogether, but that’s hardly a given. This is his last opportunity to earn generational wealth for his family, and he owes it to himself to go get the best offer. That’s not something the Saints are poised to do, and his extensive injury history — Armstead has never played a full 16-game season, and his 467 snaps on offense in 2021, when the regular season expanded to 17 games, were his fewest since 2016 — might push them to seek younger, healthier options. It sure feels like he’s on his way out.
And as I just said, there are going to be multiple suitors eager to make Armstead a top-paid left tackle in this league. Here are five teams on my radar:
