The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Thursday that tackle Branden Albert has signed his franchise tender.

Albert (6-5, 316) has played in 73 games (71 starts) in five seasons with the Chiefs. He’s helped pave the way for Chiefs running backs, including Jamaal Charles, who has recorded three 1,000-yard rushing seasons behind Albert and company. In 2012, the Chiefs racked up 2,395 yards on the ground, the fifth-highest rushing output in club annals. Since Albert’s arrival in 2008, the club has averaged 133.2 rushing yards per contest.

The Glen Burnie, Md., native originally entered the NFL as Kansas City’s second of two first-round picks (15th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft. He was an All-ACC selection at Virginia where he started as a true freshman. He was a two-way standout player at Glen Burnie High School in Glen Burnie, Md.

— Chiefs Media Relations —