Kansas City Chiefs Franchise Tag Branden Albert
By Josh Sanchez
The Kansas City Chiefs pulled off an incredible move at the last minute before the 4:00 p.m. ET deadline to use the franchise tag on a potential free agent. There was speculation that the Chiefs would use the tag on wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and then let offensive tackle Branden Albert walk in free agency. That would allow them to use the first-overall pick in the draft on Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel, but the team pulled off a shocker.
Kansas City was not just able to keep Bowe, who they ended up signing to a new five-year contract, but they slapped the franchise tag on Albert.
This move completely changes the direction the Chiefs could go at the top of the draft and it keeps one premier player off of the free agency market. It is a huge move for the Chiefs being able to retain both Albert and Bowe.
Not only did the Chiefs lock up their starting offensive tackle and wide receiver, but they were able to come to terms on a long-term deal with punter Dustin Colquitt.
It is safe to say the Kansas City Chiefs were the big winners at today’s deadline.