The Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly working on a trade that would swap Branden Albert for Julius Thomas, per Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel.
“The trade may be contingent on Albert and Thomas restructuring their contracts. The players would also need to pass physicals, and a deal can’t be finalized until the start of the new league year on March 9,” wrote Kelly.
Based on comments made by Albert to the Sun Sentinel, he seems quite amenable to the change of scenery.
“Why ruffle feathers when you don’t have to?” Albert said when asked about the potential trade to Jacksonville, which he wouldn’t confirm details of. “It’s the business of the game. I honestly believe where I’m going to go is the right fit. It is going to be a surprise when [the terms] comes out.”
On paper, this swap makes perfect sense.
The Jaguars are lacking talent and depth on the offensive line. Albert, a former star in Kansas City, was pushed out of the rotation in Miami by youngster Laremy Tunsil, and the Dolphins need help at tight end. Thomas hasn’t lived up to expectations in Jacksonville after signing a big deal to move from Denver a few years back. He’s still a talented young player, however, and it would be a win-win for both teams if he contributed in Miami while Albert filled a huge void on Jacksonville’s offensive line.
Perhaps this also explains why the Dolphins decided not to release Albert, as was previously reported (more on that here). There was previously some reported interest by Jacksonville in Albert’s services.
It appears the two teams involved in this trade, which cannot be completed until the new league year (March 9) arrives, are going to get something positive in return.