Kansas City offensive tackle Branden Albert is distancing himself from the Chiefs until he knows what the future holds with the organization.
While his teammates begin offseason conditioning work, Albert won’t join them until he’s required to report. He’s reportedly on the trading block.
“If I’m going to be traded, (I want to know) if I’m going to be there long term,” Albert told NFL.com on Tuesday. “Right now, everything is uncertain.”
Albert was given the Chiefs’ franchise tag during the offseason and is seeking a long-term contract but says he’s open to playing the 2013 season without a new deal in place.
“If it’s something I have to do, I’ll have to do it. But I’d rather not,” Albert said.
With the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft later this month, the Chiefs could select an offensive tackle who might be targeted to play on the left side. That doesn’t sit well with Albert. He would resist a move to right tackle.
“I don’t want to be in limbo,” Albert told NFL.com. “Ever since the end of the season, I’ve been in limbo. I want a definitive answer of what’s going to happen with me.”
Albert, 28, has started 71 of 73 games during his five years with the Chiefs.