Former Chiefs offensive lineman Branden Albert had second thoughts about his decision to step away from football.
On July 31, Albert retired after participating in three training-camp practices, the Florida Times-Union reported. NFL.com noted that Albert’s decision meant he would owe the Jaguars $3.4 million in “signing-bonus forfeiture.”
That’s a lot of money.
Perhaps that’s why Albert, who played for the Chiefs from 2008-13, had a change of heart and met with the Jaguars on Monday about returning.
Instead, Jacksonville on Tuesday put Albert on the team’s reserve/retired list, per a mutual agreement.
On August 7th, team officials met with OL Branden Albert and mutually agreed to place him on the club’s reserve/retired list. pic.twitter.com/MHuHQq8GPT
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) August 8, 2017
The deal likely means Albert will be keeping his bonus without playing for the Jaguars.
Jacksonville executive president Tom Coughlin was asked Tuesday about Albert’s desire to return and brushed off the subject.
“Reserve/retired. That’s all I have to say about it. There’s nothing really to say. Reserve/retired,” Coughlin told Ryan O’Halloran of the Times-Union.
Got it.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that the move allows Jacksonville to retain Albert’s rights.
Whether Albert will actually want to play again is anyone’s guess.
Pete Grathoff: 816-234-4330, @pgrathoff
Comments