Branden Albert - Pro Football Rumors

Dolphins Change Minds, Won’t Cut Branden Albert

February 16th, 2017 at 4:08pm CST by Zachary Links

The Dolphins are not moving on from Branden Albert after all. Hours after deciding to cut the left tackle and informing him of their plans to do so, Miami has decided to hang on to him – for now. Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald hears that after word of Albert’s release broke, the Dolphins heard from at least one team that had interest in working out a trade. Now, the Dolphins decided that they are going to investigate any trade possibilities out there before letting him go for nothing.

Albert was scheduled to carry a $10.6MM cap hit this season and releasing him would have saved $7.2MM. The team could also increase its immediate savings to $8.9MM by designating him a post June 1 cut. Before going down that path, however, the Dolphins first want to see if they can get some draft picks in return.

Albert, a exceptionally talented tackle, has struggled to stay healthy in Miami. In 2016, he made 12 starts and had a career-worst 42.2 grade from Pro Football Focus. The Dolphins drafted Laremy Tunsil last year with the idea that he would eventually play left tackle and, apparently, the future is now. He doesn’t have a place in Miami any longer, but other teams still want him despite his injury history and age.

The Dolphins currently have upwards of $40MM in cap room. If they trade or release Albert, they should have something closer to $50MM to work with.

Dolphins Notes: Tunsil, Albert, Stills, Lacey

February 5th, 2017 at 5:21pm CST by Zachary Links

As the Patriots play for the championship, here’s a look at one of their divisional rivals, courtesy of The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson:

A prominent Dolphins front office executive has been telling people that the Dolphins have a future Hall of Fame tackle in Laremy Tunsil, a source tells Jackson. If Tunsil’s immediate future is at the tackle position, that could prompt the team to shuffle some things on the O-Line. The Dolphins have not indicated to left tackle Branden Albert that he will be released, but they have been non-committal about whether Tunsil will move to the outside in 2017. Albert would carry a $10.6MM cap hit if he’s on the team in 2017 but he’d only be on the books for $3.4MM if he’s cut or traded. Last year, Albert had a career-worst 42.2 score on Pro Football Focus. He also missed four games due to injury.
An “associate” of Kenny Stills says the wide receiver likes the West Coast and an offer from an AFC West or NFC West team could be attractive. At the same time, both Stills and the Fins have expressed interest in a reunion. Stills figures to be a popular guy if he reaches the open market in March and the Eagles reportedly are among the teams eyeing him.
The agent for linebacker Deon Lacey claims the Dolphins have such high regard for his client that they told him he can compete for a starting job. Of course, as a reserve/futures signee, he’ll first have to make the team. The agent said 12 teams, including the Patriots, made offers on the former CFL standout.

AFC Notes: Chiefs, Carr, Raiders, Dolphins

November 17th, 2016 at 6:58pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles landed on injured reserve Nov. 1 because he needed surgery on his right knee, in which he tore his ACL last season. It turns out Charles also underwent surgery on his left knee Thursday, but it actually increases the odds of a return this year, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link). Charles has now had the meniscus in each knee trimmed, not repaired, and could be a factor for the Chiefs if they make the playoffs. Despite having only gotten 12 carries from the four-time Pro Bowler this year, the 7-2 Chiefs are currently the AFC’s second seed and look bound for the postseason.

AFC East Notes: Jets, Fitzpatrick, Revis, Fins

November 16th, 2016 at 2:45pm CST by Zachary Links

Jets GM Mike Maccagnan says he has “no regrets” about re-signing Ryan Fitzpatrick, as NJ.com’s Darryl Slater writes.

“We’re obviously disappointed by the season in terms of the record,” Maccagnan said. “Based on the season [Fitzpatrick] had prior to this season, he was very instrumental in a lot of our success in the 10-6 season. I have no regrets about bringing Ryan back. I think going into it, we felt very good about the season Ryan had previously. I have no regrets from that standpoint. Of course, I think everybody, and Ryan included, would probably say he holds himself to a fairly high standard. I’m sure there are aspects that he would like to … we all would like to have better success on the field as a team. But from the standpoint of bringing Ryan back, no, I don’t have regrets on that.”

Given Fitzpatrick’s struggles (and possible ceding of the job to Bryce Petty), many fans will roll their eyes at Maccagnan’s assertion. Fitzpatrick turns 34 on Thursday and the Jets will carry a $5MM cap hit on the books for him next season even though he will almost certainly be gone.

Here’s more on the Jets and the AFC East:

Given an opportunity to join the chorus of voices criticizing Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, Maccagnan demurred and said that the veteran’s work ethic has been where they want it to be. “I’m happy with his effort,” Maccagnan said (via Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.tv). “I’m sure there’s plays he’d like to have back, but you watch a lot of other plays where he does give effort.” Revis is set to earn $13MM in 2017 and a decision on him will have to be made before March 10 when he’s due a $2MM roster bonus. Many have speculated that Maccagnan was forced by ownership to give Revis a monster free agent deal prior to the 2015 season. I’m inclined to agree with that take, though Maccagnan has denied such talk.
The Dolphins confirmed that tackle Branden Albert is not playing against Los Angeles on Sunday, Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald tweets. Miami is reportedly concerned about Albert’s wrist for the long term and his status going forward is unclear. Albert played in nine games in 2014 but mostly stayed healthy last year as he played 14 games and earned a Pro Bowl nod.
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski could miss time after taking a big hit on Sunday.
Bills wide receiver Percy Harvin is back and he says he could continue playing beyond this season.
Speaking of the Bills – some within the organization want to cut ties with Marcell Dareus. Of course, that’s easier said that done given his issues and contract.

Dolphins Examining Branden Albert’s Wrist

November 15th, 2016 at 8:13am CST by Zachary Links

After hurting his wrist in Sunday’s game against the Chargers, Branden Albert toughed it out and returned to the game with a cast on his hand. Still, the Dolphins are concerned about the injury in the long term. Albert will go through tests this week and the advice of doctors will determine whether he can keep playing or if he has to miss games.

“Right now we’re going through the stages of having the hand specialist look at it just to make sure that no further damage can be done,” Adam Gase said (via Jason Lieser of The Palm Beach Post). “There’s all these little steps you have to go through just to make sure we’re not hurting him for future or affecting his long-term career. We have to go through all those little steps to make sure that we handle everything the right way.”

Albert said that a mid-game X-ray revealed that he did not break any bones. However, Gase would not confirm the tackle’s interpretation of the scans.

With Albert sidelined, the Dolphins saw a possible preview of the future with Laremy Tunsil at left tackle. If Albert is forced to miss additional time, Tunsil will likely hold down that spot with Kraig Urbik taking his place at guard.

After a dreadful start to the year, the Dolphins have put together a four-game winning streak to put themselves at 5-4. Albert and the rest of the offensive line has been a big reason for that success and losing the two-time Pro Bowler could slow their momentum.

Major Roster Changes Looming For Dolphins?

October 14th, 2016 at 7:03pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

At 1-4 with a minus-31 point differential, the Dolphins have been among the NFL’s worst teams this season. There are clearly weaknesses throughout the Dolphins’ roster, and Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald writes that the team has plenty of players it no longer wants. As a result, executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum, general manager Chris Grier and head coach Adam Gase are likely to oversee a significant makeover during the offseason.

The Dolphins already began moving on from players who aren’t part of the solution earlier this week, cutting offensive linemen Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner on Tuesday. Turner is now with the Ravens, who claimed him on waivers, but Salguero reports that the Dolphins couldn’t find any takers when they shopped him and Thomas.

With Turner and Thomas gone, there are a slew of other Dolphins with iffy futures, according to Salguero. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill and offensive lineman Branden Albert are among those with nebulous statuses beyond this year, though Salguero doesn’t expect Miami to move on from either. Running back Arian Foster, tight end Jordan Cameron and tackle Jermon Bushrod are all impending free agents who are doubtful to return in 2017 (Cameron could retire). Receiver Kenny Stills‘ deal also expires at season’s end, and Salguero notes that he has a fan in Gase, but the Dolphins haven’t been willing to commit a multiyear deal to him yet. Unless that changes prior to free agency, Stills could head elsewhere for a raise.

Defensively, ends Mario Williams, Jason Jones and Andre Branch, linebackers Jelani Jenkins and Koa Misi, and cornerback Byron Maxwell might be in new uniforms next year. Williams and Maxwell, two high-profile offseason additions, look as though they’ll be one and done in Miami, per Salguero. The two have underwhelmed with the Dolphins, who would save $14MM (compared to $5MM in dead money) by releasing them prior to next season. The only other member of the group who’s signed past 2016 is Misi. However, Misi’s career could be in jeopardy, and releasing him would free up $4.2MM in spending room at the cost of just $578K in dead money next season – the final year of Misi’s contract.

Given that the Dolphins’ season isn’t even halfway over, at least some of these individuals could play their way out of the doghouse over the next 11 games. The Dolphins are currently on track for a sizable house cleaning, though, and with the 4-1 Steelers and 3-2 Bills next on their schedule, they could enter their Week 8 bye at 1-6.

Pauline’s Latest: Dolphins, Cowboys, Chiefs, Giants

April 29th, 2016 at 5:12pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Here’s the latest from Tony Pauline of WalterFootball.com entering the second day of the draft:

After the Dolphins used the 13th pick on Laremy Tunsil, they called veteran left tackle Branden Albert and assured him he’ll remain at his current position and Tunsil will play left guard.
The Cowboys “covet” Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah going into the second round, per Pauline, who dismisses the idea that they’re instead after Boise State linebacker Kamalei Correa or Eastern Kentucky edge rusher Noah Spence. Dallas holds the 34th selection but could end up moving down, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones (link via ESPN’s Todd Archer).
Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander is unlikely to get past the Chiefs at No. 37, reports Pauline.
The Giants are targeting offensive linemen and safeties entering Day 2, meaning Clemson safety T.J. Green could be a fit for the team at No. 40. Like Big Blue, the Steelers and Vikings are also eyeing safeties.

Watt, Bryant, Others Get Salary Guarantees

March 13th, 2016 at 6:20pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Several NFL players have contracts containing language which states that they’ll get a full or partial salary guarantees for 2016 and/or 2017 if they remained on their respective teams on Sunday, the fifth day of the league year. Let’s check in on those players (link courtesy of CBS Sports’ Joel Corry):

Ryan Tannehill, quarterback (Dolphins): $3.5MM of $17.975MM base salary for 2017 is guaranteed.
Dez Bryant, wide receiver (Cowboys): $13MM base salary for 2017 is guaranteed.
T.Y. Hilton, wide receiver (Colts): $3MM base salary for 2016 is guaranteed. $6MM roster bonus now payable.
Anthony Castonzo, offensive tackle (Colts): $2.5MM base salary for 2016 is guaranteed. $4.5MM roster bonus now payable.
Tyron Smith, offensive tackle (Cowboys): $10MM base salary for 2016 is guaranteed.
Branden Albert, offensive tackle (Dolphins): $6MM of $8.245MM base salary for 2017 is guaranteed.
Mike Pouncey, center (Dolphins): $9MM base salary for 2016 is guaranteed, as is $2MM of Pouncey’s $7.95MM base salary in 2017.
Maurkice Pouncey, center (Steelers): $3.5MM roster bonus now payable.
Cameron Heyward, defensive end (Steelers): $5MM roster bonus now payable.
J.J. Watt, defensive end (Texans): $10.5MM base salaries for 2016 and 2017 are guaranteed.
Robert Quinn, defensive end (Rams): $7,777,777MM base salary for 2016 is guaranteed.
Lavonte David, linebacker (Buccaneers): $5MM base salary for 2016 is guaranteed.
Chris Harris Jr., cornerback (Broncos): $6.9MM base salary for 2016 is guaranteed.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Injury Updates: McCoy, Mariota, Albert

December 20th, 2015 at 9:20pm CST by Rob DiRe

We’ll keep track of the latest injury news here, with the newest updates added to the top of the list…

While Albert should be fine after suffering a knee injury during the loss in San Diego, Dolphins center Mike Pouncey wasn’t so lucky. He left the game with his foot stabilized in a boot, and he will be out for the remainder of the season, writes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

Earlier Updates

LeSean McCoy‘s knee injury appears to be a minor MCL sprain, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (via Twitter). He is expected to be listed day-to-day by the Bills.
Marcus Mariota will have an MRI on Monday after injuring his knee against the Patriots, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). The Titans believe he suffered an MCL injury. With Zach Mettenberger the only other passer on the roster, Tennessee will likely add a quarterback this week.
Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert left the game with a knee injury, and Dallas Thomas was exploited replacing him, according to James Walker of ESPN (via Twitter). With Thomas struggling, the Dolphins will need to make a move if if they want to give any chance to Ryan Tannehill and the offense.
Another big name left tackle went down with an injury in the Seahawks’ Russell Okung, who was doubtful to return with a calf injury, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times (via Twitter).
49ers running back Shaun Draughn exited the game with a knee injury, according to Eric Branch (via Twitter). Draugn has been the leading ball-carrier for the 49ers the last five games after being acquired from Cleveland. With Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush already out, the 49ers will have to dig deep on the roster to find a new starting running back.

Injury Updates: 9/20/15

September 20th, 2015 at 4:38pm CST by Rob DiRe

The big news is the Tony Romo injury, which could have a devastating effect on the Cowboys’ season. We already looked at a major injury to Bills safety Aaron Williams – who appeared to be doing okay after being taken to a hospital, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (via Twitter) – and a potential starting quarterback injury for Jay Cutler of the Bears. Here’s a roundup of other noteworthy injuries from Sunday’s action. Any additional injury updates from the afternoon games will be added to the top of the page throughout the day.

Eddie Lacy has been carted off the field for the Packers due to a right ankle injury, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN (via Twitter). His return is questionable (via Twitter). Davante Adams is also being carted to the locker room with a left ankle or foot injury, reports Jason Wilde (via Twitter).
Packers defensive tackle Josh Boyd also just went down on the field, and is being attended to by the coaches and medical staff, writes Tom Pelissero of USA Today. He will also be carted off with a right leg injury (via Twitter).
Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert left the game against the Jaguars twice, not returning the second time, with a reported hamstring injury, according to James Walker of ESPN (via Twitter).
Rookie tailback Tevin Coleman couldn’t finish the game for the Falcons today due to a rib injury, and D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution believes a prolonged absence could doom the team’s rushing attack.

Earlier:

Ereck Flowers left the Giants-Falcons game with an ankle injury, and was not able to return, writes Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (via Twitter). Flowers has dealt with ankle injuries for a few weeks, and Jordan Raanan of NJ.com notes that head coach Tom Coughlin hopes those issues aren’t continuous (via Twitter).
Eagles linebacker Kiko Alonso has been ruled out of the remainder of today’s game vs. the Cowboys due to a left knee injury, tweets Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. As McLane observes, that’s the same knee that suffered a torn ACL in 2014.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was getting X-rays taken after the loss to the Vikings, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter). Detroit Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman writes that Stafford confirmed the X-rays were taken of his chest and ribs (via Twitter).
Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy left the 26-19 win over the Saints with a right arm injury, reports Jenna Laine of Sports Talk 1040 The Team in Tampa (via Twitter). Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times adds that McCoy was not moving his right arm in the locker room (via Twitter).
Titans right guard Chance Warmack will have an MRI on his knee on Monday after injuring it today, but the initial diagnosis is a sprained MCL, according to Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com (Twitter links).