NFL Trade Machine: Branden Albert For Julius Thomas
By Erik Lambert
The Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars may share the same state in common, but not much else. A plausible NFL trade might change that.
Both teams are seeking upgrades at particular positions and have veteran options they’re looking to unload. For Miami it’s left tackle Branden Albert. The former Pro Bowler regressed in 2016 thanks to some injury problems. However, his exit was already preordained after the Dolphins drafted Laremy Tunsil in the 1st round last April. They are ready to release him but would like to explore trade options first.
On Branden Albert, Jaguars and Dolphins have talked trade, as @ArmandoSalguero says. Source says Jax is the "primary destination."
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 17, 2017
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Why is Jacksonville the primary destination? That’s obvious enough. Their offensive line is terrible. Blake Bortles has been sacked 140 times over the past three seasons. Never mind the fact that the Jaguars haven’t had a 1000-yard rusher since 2011. Left tackle remains one of their sorest spots after the failure of top draft choice Luke Joeckel and free agent Kelvin Beachum. Albert would at least give them some stability.
In return the Jaguars can give the Dolphins something they’re seeking, which is a tight end who can be a threat in the passing game. Julius Thomas hasn’t lived up to the big contract Jacksonville gave him a couple years ago. Part of that is due to injuries but also a bad scheme fit. The team just never really figured out how to use him properly.
That shouldn’t be an issue for the Dolphins. Their head coach Adam Gase was the one who helped turn Thomas into a star with the Denver Broncos where he first became an offensive coordinator. A reunion between the two could be just what’s needed to resurrect the fledgling tight end’s career. If they succeed, then Miami becomes even more dangerous on offense.
It’s a mutually beneficial trade with little downside for either team.