Jaguars rumors: Branden Albert holding out for new deal
The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired Branden Albert to take over at left tackle, but he’s already ruffling some feathers.
In an effort to upgrade their pass protection, the Jacksonville Jaguars sent a 2018 seventh-round draft pick to the Miami Dolphins for left tackle Branden Albert back in February. Injuries have been an increasing factor for Albert, with four games missed last season and just one full 16-game slate in nine NFL seasons with the Chiefs and Dolphins, but he’s an upgrade for the Jaguars even in the decline phase of his career.
The Jaguars started offseason work on Monday, with a new head coach in Doug Marrone and a new man at the top of the organization in Tom Coughlin. Showing up to a fresh situation might be a good idea to get off on the right foot, especially for new players like Albert, but that does not appear to be his plan.
Sources: While #Jaguars coach Doug Marrone held his first team meeting, new LT Branden Albert was not present. Holding out for a new deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 17, 2017
It’s worth noting this week’s gathering is voluntary, as is most of the offseason program, so Albert is not subject to any fines. He also has two years left on his contract, with $8.875 million for the coming season and $9.575 million for 2018. But Spotrac.com cites an out heading into 2018, which would leave the deal with no dead salary cap money.
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Coughlin has said he plans to monitor players working out, despite not being the head coach, and he surely considers this week’s voluntary workouts mandatory in an unofficial, below the board way. So Albert’s apparent stance for a new contract this week probably won’t sit well, particularly with two years left on his deal. Coughlin may have a hard time holding his tongue if asked about it publicly.