Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Brandon Albert has signed his franchise tender.

Albert will earn $9.83 million for 2013, unless a long-term deal can first be reached.

The 28-year-old Virginia product has started 71 of the 73 games he has played since the Chiefs made him the 15th overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft. He has helped the Chiefs average 133.2 yards per game on the ground since his arrival.