Have Dolphins Reached Deal With Albert?

The Miami Dolphins have been negotiating with LT Branden Albert for a few days now and what once was expected to be the final hang-up in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs has now turned into the first piece of the puzzle.  According to a report by Ian Rapoport VIA “Twitter”, the Dolphins are o.k. with the asking price from Albert’s camp.

The hang-up it seems is in the compensation the Dolphins would give the Chiefs.

Rapoport hypothesized the Chiefs are not comfortable with the unwillingness of the Dolphins to give up their 42nd overall selection.  It was rumored the team was willing to part with their 54th pick.  Thus making a trade look more like Vontae’ Davis for Branden Albert.

If the reports of Miami’s willingness to pay Albert are true, there will be plenty of fans wondering why Jeff Ireland was willing to pay 8 million or more to Albert but not to Jake Long.  While Long has been injured the past two years, Albert is not without an injury history himself.  Last year he played all 16 games and had a very productive season but it was his first 16 game season as a pro.

Albert and Long do not play the same style with Albert being a little better as a zone left tackle.  Jake Long struggled with the new system in Miami implemented last season by Joe Philbin.  The Dolphins tried to re-sign Long after a week long back and forth for Jake and the St. Louis Rams.  In the end, Long chose St. Louis.

"“I’m told the Dolphins do not have a problem with that,” Rapoport said of Albert’s price tag. “I know some people are saying different. I’m told they don’t have a problem with it.” Per Rapoport, Albert wants “Duane Brown money” — not Jake Long money. Brown signed a six-year, $53.4 million extension last August, with $22.08 million guaranteed. It sounds like the Chiefs will send Albert to the Dolphins if the sides agree to trade terms. Miami has two second-rounders, but would prefer to part with No. 54 rather than 42. – Per RotoWorld.com"

The Dolphins and the Chiefs have a short window ahead of them as the Dolphins can hold out making the trade until day two of the draft (Friday) allowing themselves an opportunity to see who slides to either 12 or into round 2.  It’s a risky move by Jeff Ireland as the Chiefs could stand pat and if the Phins used the 42nd pick the trade could immediately go off the table.  Or it could force the Chiefs to accept the Dolphins best offer, whatever that may be.

For now it’s all speculation regardless.  The Dolphins could, for all we know be offering a 3rd round pick while the Chiefs could simply be asking for the 54th and something else.  Either this year or next.  To read more on Branden Albert, visit Arrowheadaddict.com.  Another fantastic “FanSided” network site.