Jacksonville Jaguars OT Branden Albert retires from the NFL

Branden Albert never played a game for Jacksonville before retiring

Acquired in an offseason trade from Miami, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Branden Albert will retire from the NFL.

Jacksonville hoped the 32-year-old would provide stability at left tackle and protect quarterback Blake Bortles, whose play has drawn scrutiny in recent years.

Now the Jaguars are left with rookie second round pick Cam Robinson from Alabama protecting Bortles’ blindside.

Albert released a statement through the Jaguars on Monday morning to make the decision official.

"“This is such a special league and it’s been an honor and a privilege to play this sport professionally for the past nine years. I wish Coach Marrone and my Jacksonville teammates the best of luck on their journey this season. During my short stint in Jacksonville, I quickly realized that they are working incredibly hard to turn the corner and I truly believe that they will find success in the coming years. I look forward to returning to Miami, the place that I now call ‘home,’ and running my businesses while giving back to the community. While this chapter of my life is coming to an end, my story is still going and I hope you’ll follow along. I will be furthering and finishing my education. GOD BLESS AND GODSPEED.”"

Jacksonville swapped a 2018 seventh-round draft pick to acquire Albert, while also sending tight end Julius Thomas to Miami after a player-for-player deal couldn’t be agreed upon.

Albert had limited communication with the Jaguars after the trade, and did not report to voluntary OTAs due to a contract dispute.

A first round pick by the Chiefs out of Virginia, Albert had a $8.9 million cap hit this season, and was due over $9 million next year.

The free agent market for an offensive tackle is incredibly weak with Michael Oher dealing with concussions and King Dunlap retiring.

Next: 10 Players Who Will Make Their First Pro Bowl

For now it may be the rookie Cam Robinson starting week one at the left tackle position for the Jaguars, who allowed 34 sacks last season.