The Miami Dolphins are heading into the 2014 offseason after the whole Richie Incognito scandal and that means the offensive line is getting a huge overhaul and Branden Albert could be a part of that, while Darren McFadden, LeGarrette Blount, Greg Hardy Eric Decker and Justin Tuck could join him as free agent targets.
The Miami Dolphins have long been connected to Albert and news about him being a possible free agent target comes after the team was a contender to trade for him last offseason. Albert and the Chiefs had some contract issues last season and that led to the team tagging him and now he will be an unrestricted free agent and after the initial interest, Miami could go after him since he is the top left tackle available and they lost Jake Long last year and never really could replace him.
According to ESPN.com, the Dolphins could have an entire new offensive line this season after the Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito situation and Albert could be the first to join up. The Chiefs could bring back Albert, but many experts think that he will leave and the Palm Beach Post reports that the Dolphins will take a hard look at him. The Chiefs likely will let him go after drafting Eric Fisher first overall last season and while general manager John Dorsey has said that Fisher played well at right tackle, the team drafted him to develop into a cornerstone left tackle, which happens to be the position Albert plays.
That started things last season for the team and now Albert could be looking to cash in as he will be 30 years old this season. With Eugene Monroe likely going back to the Ravens and Anthony Collins probably sticking with the Bengals, Albert remains the top choice for the Fins. Zack Martin from Notre Dame is one of the top names in the draft and he could be an option for the Dolphins as well if he comes down to number 19 and another name that fits the Dolphins is Alabama left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, who could also play on the right side. Albert could get franchised again, but that is unlikely and other reports have Albert going to the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL.com.
The Chiefs have a tough cap situation and that could force them to tighten things up regarding Albert and that could play into Miami's hands. The team also could look at names like Hardy, Decker, Tuck and McFadden, as the running game was not as consistent as the team wanted last year and adding a top back could be a solid move. McFadden may remain with the Raiders and while he is injury prone, he is also an explosive player that is skilled out of the backfield.
