Pre-draft At the 2013
NFL Combine, Armstead ran a 4.71-second
40-yard dash, which was the fastest 40-yard dash time of any
offensive lineman at the combine since it first began in 1982.
New Orleans Saints 2013 Armstead was selected in the third round, 75th overall, of the
2013 NFL draft by the
New Orleans Saints, which became the earliest draft choice for a player from Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The selection was announced by retired Saint
Steve Gleason, at the time using a wheelchair and a computerized voice due to his advanced
ALS. On May 9, 2013, the Saints signed Armstead to a four-year, $2.86 million contract, with a $617,436 signing bonus. Armstead began his rookie season as the back up left tackle behind
Charles Brown. On September 22, he played in his first NFL career regular season game in a Week 3 win against the
Arizona Cardinals. On December 22, he made his first NFL career start in a Week 16 loss to the
Carolina Panthers. He remained the starting left tackle for the last three games of the season, which included playing in two postseason games. He made his first NFL career postseason start in a
Wild Card win against the
Philadelphia Eagles.
2014 He began the 2014 season as the Saints' starting left tackle after Brown left the team via free agency during the off season. Armstead started the first 14 regular season games, despite a concussion in a Week 4 loss to the
Dallas Cowboys, but missed the last two due to injury.
2015 Armstead returned as the Saints' starting left tackle for the 2015 season and started the first four games. After missing two games due to a knee injury, he returned in Week 7 and played 9 consecutive regular season games, missing the last game of the season against the
Atlanta Falcons. Armstead was voted as a Pro Bowl alternate in 2015. After a promising season, he was rated the third-best offensive tackle in 2015 by
Pro Football Focus.
2016–2021 On May 3, 2016, Armstead and the Saints agreed to a five-year, $65 million contract extension. The contract is guaranteed for $38 million and includes an $11 million signing bonus. After starting the first two games of the 2016 season, Armstead was unable to play for Weeks 3 and 4 after suffering a knee injury. He was placed on
injured reserve on December 14, 2016. On June 14, 2017, during minicamp, Armstead suffered a torn labrum which required surgery, which was expected to make him miss 4–6 months. He returned earlier than expected, however, and started ten games at left tackle during the regular season. Armstead was placed on the reserve/
COVID-19 list by the team on November 28, 2020, and activated on December 9. He was ranked 79th by his fellow players on the
NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.
Miami Dolphins On March 22, 2022, the
Miami Dolphins signed Armstead to a five-year, $75 million deal worth up to $87.5 million, with $43.37 million in guaranteed money. On November 27, he was diagnosed with a Grade 2 pectoral strain (partial tear) and ruled out approximately 2–3 weeks. Armstead was named to his fourth Pro Bowl in the 2022 NFL season. He was ranked 83rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Player of 2023. Armstead started the 2023 season with multiple injuries, only participating in two games as of Week 4. On October 6, 2023, he was placed on injured reserve.
Kendall Lamm filled in for Armstead at left tackle. He was activated on November 4. Armstead started 15 games for the Dolphins during the 2024 season, and logged two fumble recoveries. On April 5, 2025, Armstead announced his retirement from professional football.
Regular season statistics ==Personal life==