Jan 1, 2017; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Branden Albert (76) is introduced before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars are actively processing through a trade for Miami Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert and they may be able to keep tight end Julius Thomas as well, despite earlier rumors.

Things change quickly in the NFL and the latest trade rumors involving the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins may take a shift. Despite earlier reports and suggestions that the Jags will ship off tight end Julius Thomas for left tackle Branden Albert, the Miami Herald reports (per a league source) that the Jags are actually sending a 2018 late round draft pick instead.

If this is confirmed to be true it will clearly change the preconceived idea that Thomas is no longer valuable to the Jaguars. Reports about it being a “when, not if” situation and Thomas taking a pay cut would quickly go out the window.

To some of the insiders’ credit, the need to re-negotiate contracts was a critical component. Ian Rappoport tweeted early on the 20th of February that the deal would likely happen if both players agreed to new deals.

If Thomas didn’t agree to a new deal it would make sense that the Dolphins instead settled on a draft pick rather than on the player. Still, a late round draft pick is a significant step off from a starting tight end, especially a 2018 pick that can’t be used for a year.

Albert is visiting with the Jaguars today which provides further insight into the deal for the team and for the player. If all things appear good to go, expect the Jags to follow through on the deal. Giving up a late round draft pick in one year, especially as the Jags gear up to win immediately, is more than just compensation for a starting left tackle.

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Keeping a starting tight end would simply be icing on the cake.