Branden Albert seemed like he was going to be released by the Miami Dolphins. That was until the Jaguars called to try to swing a trade. Omar Kelly of the Miami Sun-Sentinel is reporting that the Dolphins and Jaguars are closing in on a Braden Albert for Julius Thomas trade.
(UPDATE 2/20/17) The Dolphins reportedly decided to keep Albert and instead just dealt for Thomas straight up by sacrificing a late 2017 NFL Draft pick.
The Dolphins are acquiring TE Julius Thomas for a late-round 2017 draft pick.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) February 20, 2017
Jacksonville recently declined a team option on Kelvin Beachum, so they are in the market for a new left tackle. Albert, 32, has two years left on his contract worth more than $10 million per year. The two sides may have to restructure a contract to get the deal done. Miami would have to eat $3.4 million in dead cap to trade him.
Thomas has underwhelmed in Jacksonville since coming over via free agency in 2015. Thomas, 28, has three years left on his deal that will pay him $7 million for the upcoming season. Trading Thomas would leave $3.6 million in dead cap space for Jacksonville. It will be interesting to see what this means for incumbent tight ends Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims who are both ready to hit free agency this offseason.
