Jaguars coach Doug Marrone waiting to hear from OL Branden Albert
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Marrone says he has had no contact with Branden Albert since the veteran left tackle decided to skip voluntary workouts.
Albert, tight end Marcedes Lewis and running back Corey Grant were the only players not in attendance for the first week of Jacksonville's offseason conditioning program, which began Monday.
Grant is taking classes toward his college degree. Lewis, entering his 12th season in Jacksonville, remains in his home state of California while dealing with a child custody issue. Both told Marrone they would not be in Jacksonville for the opening workouts.
Marrone heard nothing from Albert, who reportedly wants a new contract as he enters his 10th season and first with the Jaguars.
"I have not had any communication with him, which is a surprise," Marrone said Friday during the team's annual pre-draft availability. "So I don't know what his thoughts are going forward. I can't comment on that."
Marrone added that he was surprised Albert didn't return his phone call following his absence this week.
Jacksonville acquired Albert from the Miami Dolphins in March in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft.
The 32-year-old lineman signed a five-year, $47 million contract with the Dolphins in 2014. The deal included $26 million guaranteed, all of which was paid over the last three seasons. Albert is due a base salary of $8.875 million this season and $9.575 million in 2018.
Offseason workouts are mostly voluntary, so the Jaguars can't fine Albert for his absences. They could dock his paycheck if he skips a mandatory, three-day minicamp in June.
Albert, who has missed 20 games over the last five seasons, is considered a stop-gap solution at the all-important left tackle spot for Jacksonville. The Jaguars are likely to select at least one offensive lineman in next week's draft.
As for the 32-year-old Lewis, Marrone expects him to return in the next few weeks.
"He told me he's going to try to get here as soon as he can," Marrone said. "That's what's been communicated."
-
2024 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available
2024 NFL predictions: An early look at division winners
2024 NFL Power Rankings: A post-draft look at where every team stands
-
2024 NFL playoff bracket: Schedule, picture, Super Bowl result
2025 Super Bowl LIX odds: Chicago's odds shorten after drafting Caleb Williams
2024 NFL Draft grades: Analyzing all 32 teams' classes; Who gets top marks?
-
2024 NFL Draft RB rankings: No clear stars, but deep top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft order: Updated after Round 1
Mahomes Mountain: Where do Caleb Williams, rookies land on Nick Wright's QB tiers?
-
2024 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available
2024 NFL predictions: An early look at division winners
2024 NFL Power Rankings: A post-draft look at where every team stands
-
2024 NFL playoff bracket: Schedule, picture, Super Bowl result
2025 Super Bowl LIX odds: Chicago's odds shorten after drafting Caleb Williams
2024 NFL Draft grades: Analyzing all 32 teams' classes; Who gets top marks?
-
2024 NFL Draft RB rankings: No clear stars, but deep top 10 prospects
2024 NFL Draft order: Updated after Round 1
Mahomes Mountain: Where do Caleb Williams, rookies land on Nick Wright's QB tiers?