Branden Albert isn't afraid to speak his mind. The Kansas City Chiefs left tackle told USA Today's Mike Garafolo what players around the NFL are hesitant to express.
"You've got to be somewhat selfish in this situation," Albert said. "My prior years being in Kansas City, I've been through a lot of dark days. Not just me, but Jamaal (Charles), Derrick Johnson, Brandon Flowers, Eric Berry, Dwayne Bowe, all of us. I just want to see lighter days for myself and my teammates.
"I'm not disgruntled at all. I just want a commitment. I want to know where I'm going, when I'm going and I want some security."
Albert accepted the one-year franchise tag ($9.828 million) this week, but the organization is shopping the No. 15 overall pick in the 2008 draft after a long-term contract agreement wasn't reached. The Chiefs could trade Albert, then take another offensive tackle with the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, or they could keep him and address another position. Kansas City also could trade down with Albert in the fold or move him to right tackle and still take a left tackle.
In the meantime, Albert sits without a long-term contract and waits to be informed of his future. A source told Garafolo the Chiefs are actively pursuing trade partners, not just accepting calls.
A little frustration is understandable.
"I have no problem playing in Kansas City," Albert said. "Everybody knows trying to go to another city and another place to play is kind of hard. But at the same time, the answers are not there for me (yet). I've got to do what I've got to do.
"I don't know if I'm being traded, but I understand it's a possibility."
Albert has no control of the situation but was adamant that he's not upset. He also reiterated that he won't switch positions after right tackle Eric Winston was released. The Chiefs hold all the cards, but Albert doesn't have to pretend to be happy about it. He's scheduled to hit free agency in 2014.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
