The Miami Dolphins are continuing to work out the areas of need on their offensive line. After addressing defense in the NFL Draft, they are still looking for a big body to help protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill. General manager Jeff Ireland has a plan A and a plan B. As the team targets a trade to acquire tackle Branden Albert from Kansas City, their plan B is Bryant McKinnie, who is set to visit the team Monday.
Ireland stressed that the much-discussed trade of Albert is still a strong possibility. Originally Ireland said he did not pull the trigger on the Albert trade because he did not think it was right for the team, but now he is changing his tune a bit, saying the trade has every chance of still happening.
"The tackle position is an important position. But I feel like we have some flexibility. There are some options out there. I have some things up my sleeve that might work out. We're going to have to fill the need probably with a veteran guy on the street at some point," Ireland said.
The Dolphins lost tackle Jake Long to free agency and have been the top suitor for Albert. Kansas City was requesting a second-round pick in the 2013 draft, but is now requesting that same pick in the 2014 draft. Miami has been reluctant to meet the demands from the Chiefs. The team had two second round picks in 2013 that they used to package a deal to draft Dion Jordan at No. 3 overall.
While the Albert trade remains to be seen, plan B for the Dolphins could be McKinnie. The former Baltimore Raven is set to visit team facilities. The tackle played well for the Ravens in 2012, helping lead the team to a Super Bowl victory. He has battled weight and conditioning issues throughout his career, but seemed to turn things around last season.
McKinnie could be a good option for the Dolphins. He has postseason experience and blocked for one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He has the type of resume the team is targeting with a player. However, Miami could really just be using their interest in McKinnie as leverage to eventually get Albert. They could be hoping the Chiefs give in and trade him for a smaller deal. The team is certainly not done searching for someone to protect their quarterback and a signing could be in the near future.
