Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
According to Brian Harrington of Pro Football Central, “The San Diego Chargers are highly interested in obtaining a left tackle to protect Philip Rivers in an effort to make one last run with Rivers. They are so willing, in fact, to add this tackle they are both willing to trade their 45th overall selection in the draft to the Kansas City Chiefs and pay Branden Albert the $9-10 million per year that he is demanding.”
It is no secret that San Diego wanted a left tackle in the draft, but the front office did not make a trade to move up from the 11th pick in round one so they were unable to get someone like Lane Johnson.
Former Alabama Crimson Tide right tackle D.J. Fluker was San Diego’s first round pick in last night’s NFL Draft. While Fluker might get a shot at the LT position, he lacks the mobility to protect Rivers’ blindside.
According to NBC Sports, the Miami Dolphins are discussing a deal with Kansas City to bring in Albert because Miami lost four-time Pro Bowl LT Jake Long in free agency.
If San Diego makes a trade for Albert, they will owe him $9.8 million in the upcoming season because Kansas City placed a franchise tag on him. Albert would play the LT position and Fluker would be the RT.
San Diego has a RT in Jeromey Clary, but they went after Eric Winston in free agency and selected Fluker last night, so Clary is expected to be evaluated at a guard position according to The San Diego Union Tribune.
Kansas City chose LT Eric Fisher with the first overall pick last night, so it appears as though Albert will be traded. Chargers GM Tom Telesco has a decision to make because Albert could be the answer at LT.
