Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is reaching out to former New Orleans Saints star offensive tackle Terron Armstead, hoping to bring him into the Broncos’ fold in an unspecified role, Armstead shared during a Wednesday appearance on the *Up & Adams Show*.
“He hit me up [Tuesday], talking about working with him or for him in some way,” Armstead told host Kay Adams. “I told him, ‘Sean, get off my phone,’ but we’ll talk again soon. He’s my guy. He didn’t spell out exactly what he had in mind, but he reached out.”
Drafted in the third round in 2013, Armstead spent his entire Saints tenure under Payton before finishing his career with the Miami Dolphins from 2022 to 2024. Widely regarded as one of the top tackles of his era, he earned five Pro Bowl nods and a second-team All-Pro selection.
On Sunday, Payton posted a heartfelt message to Armstead on social media: “Congrats on an incredible career! Honored to have coached you. Amazing player, teammate, leader, and person.”
Armstead, now 33, confirmed his retirement on April 5, calling it a final decision. He’s eager to stay connected to football, whether on an NFL staff or in a media role. “I’m pumped about what’s next, figuring out how I’ll stay involved,” he told *Miami Dolphins on SI*. “I want to share my experience and knowledge, not keep it to myself.”
Payton has a track record of recruiting former Saints to Denver, including Zach Strief, now the Broncos’ offensive run game coordinator/assistant head coach. Strief, who played 12 seasons under Payton, joined the Broncos in 2023 as offensive line coach, leading a unit that ranked among the NFL’s best last season.
In 2023, Payton praised Strief’s knack for success: “Some people you meet, you just know they’ll figure things out and excel. Zach’s one of them. He had a long career as a lineman, and wherever I went, I wanted him as my line coach. He’s special.”
Armstead could follow a similar path, especially since the Broncos have yet to name a new offensive line coach after Strief’s recent promotion. When Payton sets his sights on someone, he rarely misses. More to come.
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