The Chiefs aren't taking a QB next year unless they are drafting top 5. If they draft at 10-16 and a QB falls the fans will want the Chiefs to pass on him because they don't have a second and he won't be ready to plug and play. If they draft in the latter half they'll say that Smith greatly improved the team and deserves to be the guy going forward.

It will be the same song and dance it always was.

In big picture context, the way the New Regime (NR) has handled the LT position has been a cluster****. My preferences:

1) sign BA to a long term contract before the draft and use 1.1 for a higher priority need
2) Draft Fisher 1.1 and sign BA to play LG or RT
3) Trade BA for a 2013 2nd round pick
4) Trade BA for a 2014 2nd round pick
5) Keep BA for 2013 and ???. We're in no man's land at this point.

Based on where we're at now, assuming BA isn't jumping up and down about changing positions, trading him for a 2014 2nd is the best cut-your-losses proposition. Black mark on the NR.

Trade value in 2014 will be off the charts. In not the right direction.

Hard to believe the " new Chiefs" screwed this up just like the "old Chiefs".

And the lack of 2 2nds to move up with.

Let him play LT this year and THEN take a 2nd round pick. Too little, too late Miami.

If we trade Albert now we should get a 1st in next years draft. Otherwise we should play him for the year and trade him for a 2cd after the season.

It happens plenty he's not an unrestricted free agent, so the agents have a good idea of salary ranges esp. now that they don't have to worry about top draft picks going really high at the same position that would throw off the relative highest paid vets pay rankings. Plus, often times the teams will sweeten the pot for incentives and guaranteed money because they can more easily work the contract to favor their cap situation.

Chiefs would be smart to look at getting a dialogue with his agent going right about mid season so they can hopefully hammer things out in the final weeks before the season ends or just right after it.

Based upon their continued interest and that Ireland's head will roll if they don't have a pretty good season, I'm inclined to say he's not as nonchalant as that, and I doubt nor is there anything that points to the chiefs cool with playing Stephenson and just "seeing how it works."

Why do people think Albert's trade value is going to rise rather than fall?

If I understand things, the Chiefs couldn't get a 2nd for him this year. Why is he suddenly going to command a 2nd in 12 months time? If you want a 2014 2, you're gonna have to do it now. Next year you'll only get a 2014 3, I reckon.

Justin Houston literally has NO leverage in a contract negotiation right now. A player doesn't want to be extended until his 4th year in the league.
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Getting a 2nd now is basically like getting a 3rd after the season.

Would you rather have Branden Albert + a 3rd next year. Or just a 2nd round pick next year. I pick the former.
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The only trade I'd be willing to make is to the Raiders for their 1st next year. Albert was a 1st round pick and has played like a 1st round pick. Why should we take a 2nd for him. Dumb !

Trade him

So he can protect smith during the 2013 superbowl run?

I'd rather the 2nd.