With the 2013 NFL Draft approaching, Around The League will examine one big question facing all 32 teams. Next up: The Kansas City Chiefs
Will anyone trade for Branden Albert?
It's unlikely that the Kansas City Chiefs will sign offensive tackle Branden Albert to a long-term contract, especially if the Chiefs take an offensive tackle with the No. 1 overall pick the draft. It's even more unlikely that new general manager John Dorsey and coach Andy Reid will find a willing taker for Albert on the trade market.
The Chiefs are looking for a second-round draft pick in exchange for Albert, who says he is seeking "clarity" from the Chiefsbefore he shows up to offseason workouts. Albert is an above-average starting left tackle, which is worth plenty in the NFL. But he's not worth a second-round pick and the monster contract that he's looking for.
The NFL teams that are desperate for offensive tackles will grab one of the big three near the top of the draft or take a chance on a player like Florida State's Menelik Watson sometime later on.
Consider the contracts that some offensive tackles received on the free-agent market this year. Jake Long "settled" for less than $9 million per season from the St. Louis Rams. Sebastian Vollmer got far less from the New England Patriots, and Andre Smith remains unsigned. The market has changed. Albert is doing well to have $9.8 million guaranteed as the Chiefs' franchise player. He's very unlikely to find a long-term contract he likes, so the Chiefs are very unlikely to find a trade partner.
Albert is more likely to be paired with Eric Fisher or Luke Joeckel on the offensive line during the 2013 season, then leave the Chiefs after next season. Keeping Albert also gives Reid the option to select a defensive player at No. 1 if the Chiefs are not in love with the offensive tackles.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
