Branden Albert is staying away from the Jaguars as he pushes for a new deal, but it doesn’t sound like he’s going to get his way. Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell says the team won’t negotiate a new deal with Albert or release him. 
“We have his rights, and we expect him to show up when he has to,” Caldwell said (via ESPN.com). “This is all voluntary, so it’s his decision to not be here. He’s got that right to do that. As long as he comes in shape when it’s mandatory and comes in and does the things he’s supposed to do, we’ll welcome him with open arms.”
The Jags drafted Alabama offensive lineman Cam Robinson over the weekend and they say that they’ll give him a shot at the left tackle job. The ideal scenario for Jacksonville would be for Albert to start at left tackle with Robinson playing on the inside, but they won’t adjust the veteran’s contract in order to make that happen. The pre-existing deal Albert had with the Dolphins calls for him to earn $8.9MM in 2017 and $9.6MM in ’18, but none of it is guaranteed.
This is what I hate about the NFL. Players think they can just neglect their obligations to the team just because they aren’t getting their way. It’s so beyond childish. You signed a contract, now both sides have to meet their obligations. Grow up and do your part.
As stated above, it’s voluntary.
Yeah right now it is. But what he is probably pointing out is how players hold out of training camp and what not because of the same thing. It might be voluntary for now but I bet Albert doesn’t really change his stance when he has to show up.
So do you feel like teams should hold up their end of a contract? The only reason the Jags refuse to renegotiate is because it’s not guaranteed so they can cut him when they please. If you notice in leagues where contacts are fully guaranteed you don’t have holdouts, look at baseball for example.
But he signed his deal with the Dolphins and the Jags traded for him AND his “current” deal.
The Jaguars don’t owe Albert anything.
They’ve probably never even met the guy.
If he wants a different deal he needs to show up and earn it “for the Jaguars”!
Plus…..teams,and players,negotiate a certain amount of guaranteed money based on the fact that the team can cut the player at anytime.
So Albert received a certain amount of upfront signing bonus plus a certain amount of guaranteed money based on the contract HE agreed too.