The Jaguars are rumored to be interested in trading for Branden Albert

The Jaguars are rumored to be interested in trading for a new starting left tackle.

By Jordan de Lugo

Earlier this week the Jaguars elected not to pick up the team option on starting left tackle Kelvin Beachum's contract. This was a puzzling move, but the reason why this decision was made may be coming to light now.

Yesterday the Dolphins were rumored to be on the verge of releasing their starting left tackle Branden Albert, but now it has become clear that the Dolphins want to trade Albert to acquire a draft pick or player.

Now, according to Armando Salguero, the Jaguars are showing interest in the 32 year old left tackle. Albert has made two Pro Bowls during his career, but had a less than stellar 2016 season in which he missed four games. He made the Pro Bowl as recently as 2015, so it would seem that Albert should still have some gas left in the tank. And the reason the Dolphins aren't keen on retaining him is due to their soon to be second year tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Things are starting to become more clear. What isn't clear is what the Jaguars would be willing to give up for Albert. Rumors are swirling that it could be a late round draft pick or even the much maligned tight end Julius Thomas who has familiarity with the Miami offense as Miami's head coach Adam Gase was Thomas' offensive coordinator in Denver during some of Thomas' best seasons. 

The question is why is a 32 year old Branden Albert that is coming off of a disappointing 2016 campaign more enticing to the Jaguars front office than is the 27 year old Kelvin Beachum? The answer could be that Albert is a more traditional left tackle - he has everything you look for in a left tackle, where as Beachum is a smallish tackle that certainly wouldn't fit the traditional ideal of a left tackle. 

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