It looks like Branden Albert and the Jacksonville Jaguars have reached a stalemate. The former Miami Dolphins left tackle, who was traded in the offseason to Jacksonville for a 2018 draft pick, will not get a new deal from the team, according to multiple sources.
The team drafted Alabama tackle Cam Robinson in the second round of the draft last weekend. Team general manager David Caldwell immediately announced the two would compete for the starting left tackle job. Jacksonville originally slated the tackle position for the two-time Pro Bowl player. Nonetheless, with his failure to attend voluntary team meetings prior to the draft and demanding a new deal, that is now up in the air.
Per profootballtalk.com, Branden Albert reportedly wants a new contract. His current deal includes no guaranteed money, although that desire may go unfulfilled.
Caldwell said the team has no plans to give Albert a new deal or cut him to move on with Robinson.
“We have his rights, and we expect him to show up when he has to,” Caldwell said, via ESPN.com. “This is all voluntary, so it’s his decision to not be here. He’s got that right to do that. As long as he comes in shape when it’s mandatory and comes in and does the things he’s supposed to do, we’ll welcome him with open arms.”
The Jacksonville Jaguars most glaring need this offseason was on the offensive line. The Jags brought Albert in to help change that situation. The team released Kelvin Beachum, whom they signed to a one-year deal. The team’s 2013 first round pick, Luke Joeckel, moved inside last year to play guard. However, Joeckel suffered an injury and missed part of the season. Joeckel signed with Seattle as a free agent.
Albert, who played multiple positions with the Kansas City Chiefs before signing with the Dolphins in 2014, could also see time at guard for the Jaguars. There is a chance both he and Robinson could start for the Jaguars in 2017.
Albert was a first-round pick in 2008 out of Virginia.