I really do think the best case scenario would be giving one of our 3rd's to Cleveland or Buffalo to move up for Lane Johnson. He's a top notch tackle prospect who is only getting better.

According to league sources, the Dolphins have had extensive talks with Kansas City about acquiring Branden Albert for a second-round pick, and team sources acknowledge a trade could be finalized before next Thursday's NFL draft.

Albert, who won't be participating in Kansas City's offseason program, and is presently training in South Florida, is adamant about remaining a left tackle.

A team source said "the process has just begun," and admitted it is possible the Dolphins could wait until the first or second day of the draft, weighing all the options before finalizing a deal.

Branden Albert is doing what a lot of guys do that have the Franchise Tag. These workouts are voluntary. The players that are Franchised show up for mandatory workouts.

Randy Starks is not at the Dolphins voluntary workouts.

The fact that the Dolphins are possibly looking into this avenue tells me they are not sold on the so called Big 3, or the picks wanted to move up is to rich for the Dolphins.

If this comes to fruition, doesn't this mean we're stuck paying for his franchise tag cap # this season, AND extending him?

Branden Albert is doing what a lot of guys do that have the Franchise Tag. These workouts are voluntary. The players that are Franchised show up for mandatory workouts.

Randy Starks is not at the Dolphins voluntary workouts.

The fact that the Dolphins are possibly looking into this avenue tells me they are not sold on the so called Big 3, or the picks wanted to move up is to rich for the Dolphins.

Speaks to what they think of Martin's chances of being the answer as well.

I'm not sure how much I buy this.

I'd rather sign Winston to a one/two year deal and draft depth than spend a 2nd and big money on Albert.

Chiefs’ Albert Signs Franchise Tender
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: March 22, 2013


Left tackle Branden Albert has signed his franchise tender two weeks after the Chiefs placed their franchise tag on him. Albert will make $9.828 million under the one-year contract

The designated franchise player will have his one year salary guaranteed if he elects to play for the team that designated him with the franchise tag and if he does not negotiate a contract with another team.

I'm not sure if Albert has signed his franchise tender. That would be the only thing stopping Miami from making a contract extension a part of any trade.

...

Despite being in a position to form one of the NFL's most formidable offensive lines in the league by allowing Albert to hang around, new head coach Andy Reid and his staff are actively shopping the veteran tackle and have named their asking price (h/t Adam Schefter):

" Adam Schefter ✔ @AdamSchefter

Chiefs are seeking a second-round pick in this year's draft as well as another pick in 2014 in a trade for franchise OT Branden Albert.
11:25 AM - 22 Mar 2013 "

The asking price for Albert is not outrageous by any means. He's played at a consistently high level since being selected in the first round of the 2008 draft, and he has acted as the anchor over the years while he protected the blind side for his quarterbacks.

What will cause some hesitation with any potential suitors is his recent injury history. Albert missed three games last season with a back injury but has missed just four games overall during his four-year tenure in Kansas City.

Reid and Co. slapped the franchise tag on Albert, so he'll be guaranteed $9.828 million in 2013, according to Mike Garafolo of USA Today:

" Mike Garafolo ✔ @MikeGarafolo

Chiefs OT Branden Albert has accepted his franchise tender. Will sign it soon. $9.828 million for this season. Smart move.
1:13 PM - 18 Mar 2013"


Presumably, the Chiefs used the tag as a way to give themselves more time to get value from Albert's departure. Any team that wants to trade for him now also has to sign him to a long-term contract, something the Chiefs and Albert are still reportedly far apart on, according to Peter King of SI.

While the extra picks would be nice, keeping Albert around for at least 2013 is the smart play for the franchise. After all, this is the man who ranked as the No. 25 overall tackle in the NFL last season in Pro Football Focus' rankings (subscription required).

Albert was experiencing his best year as a pro last season before he succumbed to injury. There are conflicting reports as to whether or not he is fully healthy and will be the same, but Albert himself makes a very compelling argument on the matter (h/t Mike Garafolo, USA Today):

"I just had nothing more than back spasms (last season). I tried to come back early and it flared up again. I haven't had any setbacks or things I couldn't do because of my back. That's the God's honest truth. If there was something wrong with my back, do you think the Chiefs would franchise me and give me $10 million?"

The man has a point. He passed a physical with the team before Kansas City made the investment to franchise tag him. It's a "prove-it" deal, and the Chiefs would be wise to keep him at left tackle.

...

Chiefs are seeking a second-round pick in this year's draft as well as another pick in 2014 in a trade for franchise OT Branden Albert.

In a heartbeat. He is proven and even if Johnson fell, it's a 1st and he is unproven.

I think they will offer Brandon what they offered Jake per year, or a little less.

jam, if they are to the point of Albert taking a physical, this process is pretty far along.

What would it take to move up to Cleveland's #6 selection and grab Milliner? Is that worth it to plug our two biggest holes?

I really do think the best case scenario would be giving one of our 3rd's to Cleveland or Buffalo to move up for Lane Johnson. He's a top notch tackle prospect who is only getting better.

So if Miami trades Chicago's 3rd in a trade up Miami will end up trading Brandon Marshall for a bust of a TE & a few spots in Rd. 1. Nice move.

I agree. Miami wants to give #54 and KC wants #42. Hope Miami holds out for the lower of the 2nd round picks.

I think they will offer Brandon what they offered Jake per year, or a little less.

I hope we don't engage in either scenario, especially the Albert trade. I really do not like the cap situation he would bring, if anything we should ink John Abraham.

What cap situation will it bring?

No problem at all in giving up a 2nd round pick for Albert. Of course, we'll have to work out a contract with him as he is franchised with the Chiefs. He'll be expensive.

Dave, are you talking to youself again?

picks 12, 54 and 146

Really? Do you think based on performance they feel Albert deserves a lesser offer? I mean I love Jake, but was his play last year deserving of a higher offer than Albert's play last year?