The Kansas City Chiefs have the number one pick in the draft and a new quarterback after trading for Alex Smith from the San Francisco 49ers, but the team still has a number of moves and decisions to make, including with franchised left tackle Branden Albert.
According to ESPN.com, the team has put Albert on the trading block after giving him the franchise tag and likely wants at least a second round pick for him, as that was a pick they gave up in the Smith trade. Albert has been one of the most highly rated linemen in the NFL over the past few seasons, but the Chiefs feel that they can trade him since they have the chance to select a top prospect in Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher at the top of the draft. Now the Cardinals may also be in the mix as the Miami Dolphins and Albert have been stuck on a contract number with Albert wanting between $8-9 million.
According to NFL.com, the Chiefs are preparing to start their offseason workouts and programs and Albert is planning to stay away until he is required to be there or the team makes a decision on his future. Albert said that if he is traded he would like to have a long-term deal worked out and that whether he stays in Kansas City or not, he is looking for some security. UPDATE: Albert was not present at the start of the offseason workout program in the middle of April.
"If I'm going to be traded," Albert said to NFL.com. "(I want to know) if I'm going to be there long term. Right now, everything is uncertain."
Albert has said that if the team wanted to move him to right tackle he would not be open for it, as both Joeckel and Fisher play on the left side, as does Lane Johnson, who is considered the third best lineman after the top two. Albert could be dealt to a number of teams, including the Miami Dolphins , San Diego Chargers or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Miami option makes a lot of sense for both sides, as the team still has cap space to work with even after signing Mike Wallace and Dannell Ellerbe and they also have two second round picks, meaning they could give one up and not suffer much for it. Albert spends time in the offseason in Miami and the left tackle position is a major need after Jake Long signed with the St. Louis Rams.
If Albert does decide to play with the Chiefs this season, he will be paid nearly $10 million as a franchised player. As a first round pick he was rated as the most efficient pass blocker from the left tackle position last season and helped the Chiefs have a top five running attack despite being one of the worst offenses in the league.
The Chargers are an intriguing option, as they may be too far out of the top picks at number 11 to snag one of the three linemen and need some more talent after getting rid of the disappointing Jared Gaither last week. The team could use Albert and then focus their first round pick on other needs like cornerback while not worrying about missing out on Fisher or Johnson.