Branden Albert Reportedly Wants New Contract, Skipped Jaguars' Team Meeting

Newly acquired Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Branden Albert skipped his first meeting with the team and plans on holding out for a new contract.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Albert skipped the meeting, which was also the first under new coach Doug Marrone.

Albert, 32, was acquired in a March trade with the Miami Dolphins. He spent the last three seasons in Miami.

The Jaguars are slated to pay Albert $8.9 million in 2017, per Spotrac. Because Albert was traded to Jacksonville, his deal comes with a clean slate. The Jaguars could theoretically move on before this season without having to pay Albert another dime.

Albert's $9.6 million salary for 2018 is also non-guaranteed. It's likely he's looking to ensure his safety on the roster in the form of guaranteed money under a new deal.

The Jaguars, who have desperately needed help at the tackle spot for years, would be wise to see if Albert is willing to keep his deal short in exchange for upfront guaranteed money. He's already 32 years old with nine years of NFL wear and tear on his body. The last time Albert played a full season was in 2011.

While he was mostly successful in Miami, it was telling the team was ready to move on without a Pro Bowl-caliber replacement ready on the roster. 

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