Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reports that the Jaguars have been in communication with LT Branden Albert this week, which happens to be the time the two parties have spoken since mid-March.
The Jaguars have said that they’ve made attempts to speak with Albert but haven’t had their calls returned.
According to O’Halloran, it’s now possible that Albert will be in attendance for the start of voluntary organized team activities, which get underway next week.
Albert skipped the start of the offseason program, as he’s reportedly seeking a new contract from the Jaguars.
Jacksonville hedged the left tackle situation by drafting Alabama’s Cam Robinson in the second round of this year’s draft, so they do have an option in case communication with Albert breaks down.
It’s worth mentioning that Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell previously made it clear that they have no intention of signing Albert to a new contract and expect him to report to the team for mandatory workouts in shape.
“We have his rights, and we expect him to show up when he has to,” Caldwell said, via Michael DiRocco of ESPN. “This is all voluntary, so it’s his decision to not be here. He’s got that right to do that. As long as he comes in shape when it’s mandatory and comes in and does the things he’s supposed to do, we’ll welcome him with open arms.”
Jacksonville agreed to send a 2018 seventh-round pick to the Dolphins in return for Albert and the two teams also completed a separate trade for TE Julius Thomas soon after.
Albert, 32, is a former first-round pick of the Chiefs back in 2008. He spent six years in Kansas City before signing a five-year, $46 million contract with $25 million guaranteed with the Dolphins back in 2014.
Albert currently has two years remaining on his contract and stands to make base salaries of $8.875 million and $9.575 million during this time.
In 2016, Albert appeared in 12 games and was rated by Pro Football Focus as the No. 65 offensive tackle out of 78 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding Albert and the Jaguars as the news is available.
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