INDIANAPOLIS -- Coach Bruce Arians and the Arizona Cardinalsaren't that interested in finding another quarterback this offseason. They just want to protect Carson Palmer better.
One way to do that: sign one of the top offensive tackles available in free agency.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the Cardinals and the Miami Dolphins view Albert as a "high priority" in free agency, according to multiple team sources. The Chiefs also haven't ruled out re-signing Albert, despite having his replacement on the roster in last year's No. 1 pick Eric Fisher.
The Chiefs, however, are speaking louder with their actions. If they truly felt it necessary to keep Albert, they would prevent him from getting to free agency. Kansas City isn't as desperate as Arizona and Miami, and desperation is what causes teams to pay huge money in the offseason.
Miami has to rebuild its entire offensive line outside of center Mike Pouncey. The Dolphinsengaged in trade talks with the Chiefs about Albert last offseason. Arizona's left tackle spot, meanwhile, possibly was the worst in the NFL in 2013. Albert, Jared Veldheer and Eugene Monroe look like the top tackles in free agency, but the other two are less likely to make it to the open market.
It only takes two teams to start a bidding war in free agency, and we know that at least two teams are highly interested in Albert.
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