Starting left tackle Branden Albert is a free agent (all free agents here). I don't know what the Kansas City Chiefs are going to do with him. Considering there were discussions last season about trading him, I'm inclined to lean toward Albert not coming back, but lots of things can change between now and March 11, the start of free agency.
What I do know is that I want the Chiefs to have three capable offensive tackles again this season. Back-up Donald Stephenson proved valuable in that role last season.
Read this
The Chiefs starters were Albert on the left side and Eric Fisher on the right side. But do you know how many games Stephenson, the back-up tackle, played? Seven. Stephenson started seven freakin' games. In Weeks 12 and 13, Stephenson replaced Fisher. From Week 14-17, Stephenson replaced Albert. That's more than just some role player. That's damn near a starter.
The Chiefs may decide to let Albert walk and hit the open market and given the finances it would be understandable if they did. Fisher was drafted No. 1 overall and sometimes you have to bet on the choice you made. Stephenson proved he was capable of playing regularly in the NFL. Things could be worse for the Chiefs if Albert walked.
But, man, what a luxury having three good offensive tackles once again would be. Someone who is potentially of playing that many games is worthy of a fairly high draft pick. And we know, as evidenced by selecting Fisher No. 1 overall and tagging Albert, what kind of emphasis GM John Dorsey and the Chiefs put on the offensive line.
Lots of moving parts here. I'm undecided on what the Chiefs absolutely should or should not do with Albert. I can see the benefits of either side. I'm anxious to see how it all plays out.