News broke yesterday that the Miami Dolphins were releasing a couple of costly veteran players. Former Pro Bowl defensive end Mario Williams and defensive tackle Earl Mitchell were 2 of the names revealed as was left tackle Branden Albert.
It appears the Dolphins are changing course in regards to releasing Albert.
Miami freed up $12.5 million on their salary cap by releasing Williams and Mitchell but Albert was not released as expected although both Albert and his agent were informed on Thursday morning that the Dolphins planned to release the veteran tackle.
According to a Miami Herald report, Miami received enough interest from around the league after news that Albert would be released broke that instead of releasing him the team will now attempt to trade him.
Trades cannot be completed until the new league year starts on March 9th.
The Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero is reporting that the Jacksonville Jaguars are one team of interest and ESPN points to the Denver Broncos, who recently hired former Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph as their head coach, as a possible trade partner as well.
Salguero also points to possible trade compensation which could include draft compensation or a player such as Julius Thomas. The report also outlines the many hurdles involved in completing a deal, from contracts to Albert agreeing to play for Jacksonville.
Albert has two years left on his current contract, but neither season carries any guaranteed money and Albert is scheduled to be rake in $8.9 million and while counting $10.6 million against the cap in 2017.
If no trade can be worked out, Albert would be likely then be cut, becoming a free agent.