The much talked-about Branden Albert trade between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins turned out to be a lot of just that -- talk.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday on "NFL Total Access" that both parties now view an Albert trade as "dead," according to several sources involved in the process. The Chiefs now will focus on locking up the offensive tackle with a long-term contract.
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Signing Albert to a long-term contract could prove difficult for Kansas City. Albert has been vocal in his wish to remain at left tackle, an unlikelihood after the Chiefs used the first overall pick to select Eric Fisher.
Albert isn't in great position, either. He signed his franchise tag to help trigger a trade. Now he's contractually obligated to attend mandatory team activities with the Chiefs.
Unless Albert has a change of heart about right tackle, it's hard to imagine a long-term deal getting done. And if a contract doesn't get done, it's fair to wonder if Albert will end up right back on the trade block.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
