The Kansas City Chiefs have been working on a trade to deal away left tackle Branden Albert to the Miami Dolphins after giving his agent permission to speak with the team, but after some contract hangups another team has emerged in the Arizona Cardinals.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Cardinals have discussed the possibility of trading for Albert from the Chiefs, one reason being that the top of the draft is expected to see at least two to three linemen selected, which would be just out of reach for Arizona at number seven. The Cardinals have been very interested in Lane Johnson, who is the third rated left tackle in the draft, but there is a good chance he won't be available, as Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher are expected to be selected quickly, leaving Johnson next in line.
The issue with the Dolphins so far has been over money and not for need, as Miami desperately needs a left tackle after losing Jake Long in free agency and the team also is out of reach of the top three at the number 11 pick. Albert has been a Pro Bowl left tackle and a starter over the past five seasons and he has a house in Miami while the Dolphins have two second round draft picks, which is exactly what the Chiefs want in return for Albert. The report says that Albert wants $8-9 million, while the Dolphins would like it to be less than that per year.
Albert has been disappointed at the situation and it looking for long term security, whether it be with the Chiefs, Cardinals or Dolphins. Duane Brown signed a $50 million contract last year and Albert will be looking for something similar. The Cardinals would be forced to give up their only second round pick in any deal, as that is what the Chiefs mainly want, while the Dolphins have two at 42 and 54 that they could select from. The Cardinals pick at 38 and those four picks could be the difference in the deal.
The Chiefs have greatly improved since going 2-14 last season while adding quarterback Alex Smith in a trade and Anthony Fasano, Dunta Robinson and Sean Smith in free agency. The team is expected to select Luke Joeckel with the number one pick, giving them an NFL ready left tackle and the chance to send off Albert without having to say him too much after signing the free agents and wideout Dwayne Bowe to a five year contract.