While many NFL players are taking one last vacation before training camp, front offices are focused on a looming deadline that is quickly approaching. July 15 is that final day teams can sign their franchise-tagged players to a contract extension. This deadline if especially important for tackle Branden Albert who is in the midst of discussions with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Albert has not exactly had the easiest offseason. The free agent was first the subject of several trade rumors. The Chiefs attempted to give him off to the Miami Dolphins prior to the NFL Draft. That deal never happened. Kansas City then went and drafted Eric Fisher with the No. 1 overall pick despite still having Albert on the team. Fisher is assumed to play right tackle next season before eventually moving to the left side.
ESPN reports the Chiefs are doing everything they can to get Albert signed before the deadline. The two have resumed negotiations, but if a deal is not done then Albert will play next season under his franchised salary of $9.8 million. He will then have the option of becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer or get franchised once again.
The issue is how much Kansas City wants to pay a player they see eventually moving to the right side of the line. If Fisher turns out to be the real deal, they will switch positions. Deadlines certainly have a way of spurring teams into action when it comes to contracts, but after spending most of the offseason on the trade block, how willing is Albert going to be to sign a long-term deal? A contract extension could create more salary cap space for the Chiefs if they are not comfortable with their $4 million remaining.
Fisher also remains unsigned. The Chiefs are going to be starting contract talks with the rookie after the July 4 holiday. $4 million in cap space is not a lot of money to work with to sign two players. If the Albert deal is done first, depending on how it is structured, more cap space could be available for Fisher. The idea of the contract is getting done before camp is a little hard to see. Going from almost traded in April to a long-term deal in July does not really fit.
