Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Miami Dolphins only ever offered the Kansas City Chiefs a third-round draft pick for LT Branden Albert.
By now, everyone knows the story. The Chiefs were planning to draft LT Eric Fisher with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. As such, GM John Dorsey began exploring trade possibilities for Albert. Albert reportedly wants top dollar and to play LT, something the Chiefs likely figured they could avoid by taking Fisher and moving him into Albert’s old spot. By trading Albert, the Chiefs would have gained and extra draft pick, as well as some salary cap relief, as Fisher’s contract would be less than Albert’s.
The Chiefs were reportedly looking for a second-round pick for Albert. The Miami Dolphins seemed to be the ideal trade partner. MIami has two second-round picks and a need a LT.
Only the trade never happened. Miami traded up in the first round of the draft, using their early second-round pick to make the move happen. It was then thought the Chiefs might accept Miami’s other second-round pic, No. 54 overall, for Albert. Yet the scone round came and went without a trade ever being completed.
There were reports that the Dolphins were willing to deal the 54th pick and so when they didn’t do it, most assumed the Chiefs wanted more.
Now, Raporport is reporting that the Dolphins never offered either of their second-round picks for Albert.
"The source said the Dolphins only offered a third-round pick for Albert, not the 54th overall pick in the second round as previously thought. The Chiefs wouldn’t budge in their asking price.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."
All I can say if this is true is good for John Dorsey. Branden Albert is worth, at the very least, a second-round draft pick. It would have been absolutely crazy for the Chiefs to move Albert for less.
So now what happens?
You would think that after taking Fisher so high, the Chiefs will want him to step into the LT role right away. Then again, Albert has gone on the record as saying he only wants to play LT. I am not sure how the Chiefs can get a long-term deal done with Albert unless Albert changes his mind about playing RT or if the Chiefs feel comfortable using the No. 1 overall pick at RT.