Branden Albert To Arizona Cardinals Rumors Heat Up

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

A few outlets reported on Monday night that Branden Albert, free-agent offensive tackle most recently of the Kansas City Chiefs, was being looked at hard by two teams, the Miami Dolphins and the Arizona Cardinals. According to Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider also reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN and Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com, Albert, who is probably the highest targeted free offensive lineman in free agency this off-season, will be heavily courted by Miami and Arizona.

It is no secret the Cards are looking to get stronger on the offensive line, even though they vastly improved in 2013 over 2012.  They also get Jonathan Cooper back from injury in 2014.  How effective he will be remains to be seen.  Albert though would add immediate legitimacy to the line.

Albert was someone I briefly touched on last week.  My feeling was he would cost the Cards too much and ultimately if they don’t get him, that will be the reason he doesn’t end up in Arizona.  The Dolphins definitely need help on the line too but I would think the opportunity in Arizona would be more attractive.  However this is a business and these players, like the owners, are in the business of making money.  Miami may able to grab him with money and the notion of helping a depleted line.  Arizona would have other options.