Four Players The Kansas City Chiefs Could Live Without

Kansas City Chiefs tackle Branden Albert (76) Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

BRANDEN ALBERT, LEFT TACKLE, 29 YEARS OLD

2013 SALARY: $9,828,000

Talent-wise, Branden Albert will be tough to replace. He has turned himself into a Pro Bowl left tackle, and those types of players do not come along all the time. After the soap opera last year between Albert and the Chiefs, it is difficult to imagine him signing with Kansas City voluntarily for 2014.

The Chiefs could place the franchise tag on him again, but frankly, they can’t afford to. His salary will probably be close to $11 million if not more, if they choose to do that. Albert may be very disgruntled if he is franchised again.

The Chiefs drafted Eric Fisher to eventually take over for Albert. As Ben pointed out here, Fisher made great improvements in his play as the season progressed. Fisher will need to continue to improve so the Chiefs can count on him to not get the quarterback killed.

Donald Stephenson could also be a possibility to replace Albert. Stephenson filled in for Albert at times and played well. He has developed nicely over his first two season, and between Stephenson and Fisher, Kansas City could have two good tackles on their hands, regardless of which one plays on the left and which plays on the right.

The Chiefs should just let Albert go, and look to find a much cheaper player who can be a back up, maybe at several positions, like Geoff Schwartz.