The Miami Dolphins were one of the most active teams in the NFL during the offseason, signing players like Mike Wallace and Dannell Ellerbe, and with the draft fast approaching the team may make some more moves, including trading for Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Branden Albert.
According to ESPN.com, the Kansas City Chiefs have given the Dolphins permission to start talking with their franchised left tackle, as he did not show up for voluntary workouts and it appears more likely that he will be dealt. The Cheifs are looking to get back a second round pick after they had to give theirs up to the San Francisco 49ers in the Alex Smith trade and fortunately, the Dolphins have two. Albert said that he is looking for security and would not show up to activities until he had his situation figured out.
The Chiefs had the option of tagging Albert or wideout Dwayne Bowe, and they picked Albert while giving Bowe a five-year deal. The team has made a number of moves this offseason to improve the worst team in the league at 2-14, including signing Sean Smith and Dunta Robinson, trading for Smith and also signing Anthony Fasano. The Chiefs also have the number one pick, which is one reason why they feel they can trade Albert.
The Chiefs placed a one-year, $9.82 million tender on Albert, who is looking for a new deal, and with the top prospects in the draft being left tackles, Albert expressed his disdain for possibly moving to the right side of the offensive line. Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher are considered to be the highest rated linemen and so far all signs point to the Chiefs selecting one of them.
The Dolphins went 7-9 last season, but after bringing in Wallace, Ellerbe as well as Philip Wheeler and others, the team appears ready to break out. The draft should enable them to get a solid player in the first round even with the trade, as the team as the 12th pick. The Dolphins have been linked to third-rated left tackle Lane Johnson, but if the trade for Albert goes through, chances are they will not take him.
If the Dolphins acquire Albert, they may go after names like Xavier Rhodes at cornerback, as well as Dee Milliner or Desmond Trufant, as they lost Sean Smith to the Chiefs. Other options include Jarvis Jones as linebacker if he slips, as well as Alabama guard Chance Warmack, the highest rated player in the draft at his position.