Nov 1, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Branden Albert (76) walks to the locker room after the San Diego Chargers beat the Chiefs 31-13 at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The two biggest stories heading into the NFL Draft for the Chiefs appear to be handled—for now. Eric Fisher appears to be the No. 1 overall pick, settling that debate, and the trade talks between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly been shelved until the two teams make their first round selections.
A likely miffed Ed Werder tried to rebound from his attack on reports of Fisher being told he’s the No. 1 pick by butting in on the news about the Branden Albert trade talks.
Dolphins-Chiefs won't further discuss Branden Albert trade until both teams pick in first round _ assuming Dolphins haven't picked an OT
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) April 25, 2013
The move to suspend talks for now makes sense, especially since no first round picks were ever in the discussion. As it stands now (and depending on who you ask), the Chiefs and Dolphins are squabbling over what picks should be exchanged for Albert’s services in South Beach.
The Palm Beach Post reported this morning that the Dolphins don’t think Albert is worth a second rounder. That report was later disputed by ESPN’s John Clayton (those ESPN guys sure like disputing stories today) who said that the battle between the two sides is still over which second round pick should be sent to Kansas City.
Obviously, the Chiefs want the higher of the two picks and the Dolphins want to give up the lower of the two. The reports that Miami didn’t want to part with a second rounder in exchange for Albert seem to have been a last minute attempt at a power play, as Arrowhead Addict’s Patrick Allen pointed out this morning.
But talks have halted and that’s worth noting. It’s worth noting because the way things are shaping up, the Dolphins may end up with a shot to draft one of the top tackles in the draft, which would render a trade for Albert useless for Miami.
So what appeared to be a sure thing has turned into a situation that sees Branden Albert stay in Kansas City for the time being.