Now that the Kansas City Chiefs are finished with the draft, they can re-focus on the next pressing offseason issue, Branden Albert. Trade talks have been swirling around the talented tackle and yet nothing formal has actually happened. The Miami Dolphins have been in hot pursuit of Albert, but they are unwilling to give in to the Chief's trade demands. Now, the team is setting their sights on possibly keeping Albert, making attempts to re-sign him.
Trade talks between the Chiefs and Dolphins are officially dead. The Dolphins were originally thought to be a lock to sign Albert after they lost Jake Long to free agency. They have been searching for someone to replace him, trying out every free agent left on the market. However, the Chiefs are not willing to bend in their trade demands, reportedly asking for a second-round draft pick in 2014. The Dolphins never offered anything higher than a third-round draft pick.
The Chiefs best option now is to re-sign Albert. He can play left tackle and Eric Fisher, the No. 1 overall draft pick, can play right tackle. This would set their offensive line up perfectly. Albert has signed a one-year franchise tender worth $9.8 million, but is not happy with his contract. Albert is searching for a long-term deal. Sources say he is looking to sign something close to what Long got with the Rams, in the ballpark of a four year, $36 million contract. As of now, he is holding out and not reporting to offseason workouts.
Re-signing the tackle could be extremely difficult for the Chiefs. Albert has been very outspoken about wanting to remain at left tackle, which is now unlikely with the drafting of Fisher. If this remains the case, the chances that a long-term deal gets done are relatively slim. Due to his contract, Albert will be forced to be at training camp when things kickoff, but the question remains if it will be under a one-year deal or a new long-term contract.
