Cardinals after Albert, Upgrade Or Unnecessary Spending Spree?

Jan 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Branden Albert (76) during the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

As free agency gets closer and closer it is no secrete where the Arizona Cardinals should focus their attention in the market. The offensive line needs a left tackle desperately and in free agency left tackles never come available, especially good ones.

It is also no secrete that Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Brandon Albert should be available as the Chiefs have not made any efforts to resign the left tackle knowing they already have last year’s number one pick Eric Fisher going back to his original spot at left tackle. Here is why the Cardinals should jump on Albert and not go after a tackle in the draft.

First, getting Albert will allow the team to not waste a first round pick on a lineman, Also they will basically be getting a first round lineman next year when 2013 first round pick Jonathan Cooper returns to finally get a chance to play, we know Coop will cement down the guard position and Brandon Albert will help keep Carson Palmer’s blind side protected for the most part.

Albert is exceptional in pass blocking but is a little suspect in the running game, but with coach Bruce Arians system the passing game will get most of the action and Albert will be the perfect missing piece. This move would also allow the team to go after the best available skill player at pick number 20 in which they should be able to get a pretty decent player, preferably a speedster wide out to really open up Arians offense.

The Brandon Albert move may cost the team anywhere up to 10 to 12 mil per year considering that was what he received being franchised tagged last season. In the Cardinals case the money should not be an issue unless Albert wants way more than his expected tag salary. Albert will look to make top dollar as the need for a left tackle is just as high as the need for an effective starting quarterback.

If the Cardinals do this move it will solidify their offensive line going into the 2014 season and the offense will have no restrictions as to play calling, in other words we get to see the true offense of coach Arians without limitations.