The Kansas City Chiefs pulled off the biggest trade of the offseason when they snagged Alex Smith from the San Francisco 49ers and the team may be ready to pull the trigger once again, as there is a chance they could trade franchise tackle Branden Albert.
According to ESPN.com, the team is not actively ready to trade Albert, but if they do, they are prepared with what they feel is equal value for him. The report says that the team would want a second round pick in this year's draft as well as a pick in 2014 draft next season. The Chiefs lost their second round pick (number 34) in the trade for Smith and they would love to get one back in return as Andy Reid tried to rebuild the roster.
The Chiefs are into this trade for a few reasons: one being that they want their second round pick back, or at least a second round pick back, but also because Reid views the top of the draft as a place where he can take a left tackle, most likely Texas A&M star Luke Joeckel, who the team worked out. Albert signed his tender and said he is ready to stay in Kansas City, but he would like a long-term deal.
At the end of the season, the Chiefs were deciding between Dwayne Bowe or Albert to tag, but they were able to come to a five-year deal with Bowe and used it on Albert. Albert will make nearly $10 million if he plays on the one year contract and although the Chiefs have yet to talk to Albert's reps, there is a chance it could go through.
"I want to know where I'm going, when I'm going, and I want some security," he told USA Today.
Albert was a first round pick by the Chiefs and he has been one of the most efficient blockers in the NFL during his career. He has been fairly healthy while with the Chiefs, playing in all 16 games two years ago, although he missed three last season with a back issue. Albert's deal to the Dolphins makes the most sense for both sides, as Miami lost left tackle Jake Long in free agency and they also possess two second round picks, which is exactly what the Chiefs want.
Albert has a home in Miami and the team also will need to upgrade its offensive line after losing Long and running back Reggie Bush, who had nearly 1,000 yards rushing last season. The Chiefs had the fifth ranked rushing attack per game in the NFL last season and likely could survive the trade since they have the number one overall pick, while Miami will want to improve on its number 17 ranking after losing Bush. The team signed Brian Hartline and Mike Wallace and will need a beefy line to protect second-year starter Ryan Tannehill.
Although the San Francisco 49ers already did one deal with the Chiefs and have a left tackle of their own, they could decide to put some of their 14 draft picks on the line to make the move. Albert is one of the top players on the offensive line and the team could bring him and shift him to a new position along with Joe Staley to form one of the best front-lines in the entire NFL.
The Chiefs have a chance to greatly improve from last season depending on who they pick with the number one choice, as they added Smith, Sean Smith, Dunta Robinson, Anthony Fasano and Chase Daniel this offseason.
