The Kansas City Chiefs have the number one overall pick in the NFL draft next week, but that may not be the only business they attend to, as the team has put franchise left tackle Branden Albert on the trading block and he could be dealt within the next week or so.
According to NFL.com, the team is willing to part with Albert for a second round pick, but so far no team has seriously stepped up to the plate for the Pro Bowl player. The report said that the Chiefs would like a high second rounder, according to Peter King at SI.com, as they gave up their second round pick to the 49ers in the trade for quarterback Alex Smith and they would like ot get one back.
The Chiefs may be willing to trade Albert since they don't want to sign him to a huge contract and they feel that they can draft a suitable replacement and starter with the number one pick in Texas A&M's Luke Joeckel or Central Michigan's Eric Fisher, who are considered the top linemen in the draft at their position. The draft is April 25, so the team has time, but that is running out as the draft gets closer. If the team trades Albert they will all but guarantee the pick of Fisher or Joeckel, but if they don't that could change.
Albert will be under a franchise tag deal and he has said this past offseason that he would like some security whether it is in Kansas City or with another team.
The Miami Dolphins could be an option since they have two first round draft picks and need a left tackle after losing Jake Long and since they have some cap space, a contract extension for Albert wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility. Albert has a home in the area and since the Dolphins needs help on the line, he could be a nice fit. The team could try to wait out for one of the tackles in the draft, but there is a chance Lane Johnson will not be thereby the time they pick.
The San Diego Chargers are another option after they cut left tackle Jared Gaither and the team could also be in the running for Johnson, but since there is no guarantee he will be there, they could make a trade as well. Under new head coach Mike McCoy the team is trying to rework the offensive line for Philip Rivers and left tackle would be a solid place to start.
