Branden Albert trade rumors: Chiefs talking to Dolphins, Cardinals

Branden Albert’s wish for a long-term contract could soon become a reality.

Apr 22, 2013, 11:31 PM UTC

Peter Aiken

Branden Albert and the Miami Dolphins had negotiations for a long-term contract over the weekend -- and the Dolphins are willing to meet Albert's asking price, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Albert is seeking a contract similar to Duane Brown's, who signed a seven-year contract with an average annual value just north of $8 million.

More: Chiefs blog: Arrowhead Pride Dolphins blog: The Phinsider

The Kansas City Chiefs are shopping Albert to teams throughout the league in advance of the 2013 NFL Draft, and are reportedly seeking a second-round draft pick for Albert. Kansas City placed the franchise tag on Albert earlier this offseason, preventing him from reaching free agency -- but it appears to be unlikely that Albert will play again for Kansas City.

The Chiefs are expected to take either Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joeckel or Central Michigan left tackle Eric Fisher with the No. 1 overall pick -- replacing Albert. Albert stated earlier this offseason that he does not wish to move to right tackle, making a trade the only reality for Kansas City -- assuming they take Fisher or Joeckel as expected.

If the Chiefs and Dolphins come to an agreement, Albert will replace Jake Long in Miami. Long signed a long-term contract with the St. Louis Rams earlier this offseason, creating a void on Miami's offensive line. Albert is a more-than-adequate replacement for Long -- and given Long's deteriorating play in recent years, Albert could be viewed as an upgrade. Albert graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 25 offensive lineman last season.

Miami isn’t the only team interested in acquiring Albert. The Arizona Cardinals discussed a potential Albert trade according to XTRA 910’s Mike Jurecki. Unlike the Dolphins, the Cardinals only have one second-round draft pick -- the No. 38 overall pick in the draft. Arizona needs to improve its offensive line -- especially with the aging Carson Palmer at quarterback.

The Dolphins currently hold two second-round draft picks -- the No. 42 and No. 54 overall picks in the NFL Draft. Kansas City traded its second-round pick to the 49ers earlier this offseason in exchange for quarterback Alex Smith. It's unknown which pick the Chiefs would receive from the Dolphins if a trade is agreed upon in the coming days.

Miami is now waiting on Kansas City to decide whether or not the No. 54 pick is enough compensation for Albert, according to Rapoport.

With a glaring need for a new starting left tackle for the Dolphins, a trade makes too much sense not to happen at this point -- especially if the Dolphins will meet Albert’s contract demands.