All of the clues that Kansas City has left this offseason has pointed to the fact that they are focusing on adding a franchise left tackle with the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Now, it looks like they will be paving the way for that pick by dealing the player who currently mans that post–Brandon Albert.
Albert and the Chiefs have long had contract disputes, but Kansas City was able to franchise him this offseason. The former first round selection has long desired a more permanent contract, and the Chiefs are helping him achieve that goal by allowing his agent to enter into discussions with the Miami Dolphins.
In order to acquire Albert from the Chiefs, the Dolphins would likely have to surrender one of two second round picks to Kansas City who gave theirs up to bring in Alex Smith.
While the deal makes sense for both teams, it may remove one potential shake-up at the top of the draft. Miami had been considering trading up past Arizona at #7 for the chance to select one of the draft’s premier tackles. If this deal gets done, the Dolphins will be holding steady at #12.
The Dolphins were one of the few teams looking to move up in a draft perceived as lacking in top level talent. Albert’s going to Miami would also lock Kansas City into selecting either Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel or Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher.