Earlier this week, word out of Kansas City and Miami was that the Chiefs and Dolphins were not communicating about a possible trade involving Chiefs tackle Branden Albert.
That picture appears to have changed. According to Ed Werder of ESPN during an appearance on SportsCenter, the two sides have “resumed dialogue” about a trade that would likely involve one of the two second-round picks that the Dolphins currently have in their possession. Whether that pick is the 42nd or 54th overall is one of the obstacles the teams would need to navigate to get a deal done by Friday night.
There’s also the matter of Albert’s contract. He’s signed his franchise tender for the 2013 season, which guarantees him $9.828 million unless he signs a long-term deal. Getting such a deal done would seem to be necessary for the Dolphins to pull the trigger, although it is unclear if they are willing to meet Albert’s reported demands. Per Werder, Albert wants a deal worth $36 million over four years.
Albert also had back issues that cost him three games in 2012 which likely makes a physical a necessary step before a deal can be consummated. And there’s also the matter of the Chiefs not yet revealing their plans for the top pick, something that could impact the deal if, as expected, the Chiefs take either Luke Joeckel or Eric Fisher with the top pick. Adding a left tackle with the top pick would make it a bit harder for the Chiefs to press the Dolphins for the higher of the two second-round picks although it would also eliminate an option for Miami if General Manager Jeff Ireland is considering trading up for Joeckel, Fisher or Lane Johnson.