Just one day after trading franchise offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Kenny Stills to the Houston Texans, the Miami Dolphins continue to shake things up.
Miami has traded linebacker Kiko Alonso to the New Orleans Saints in what appears to be a straight swap for Saints backer Vince Biegel, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter:
Saints are trading LB Vince Biegel to Dolphins for LB Kiko Alonso, per source. LB-for-LB deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2019
With Miami essentially cleaning out their roster, the Saints pounced at the opportunity to acquire Alonso, who is coming off arguably the best season of his career.
Alonso has become one of the most dynamic linebackers in the game. Last season, he racked up 125 tackles to go along with three interceptions and three forced fumbles in 15 games for the Dolphins. Alonso topped 100 tackles in each of his three seasons with Miami.
Meanwhile, the Saints continue to add defensive playmakers to complement their prolific offense. Alonso will now join Cam Jordan and Marshon Lattimore as a key cog in the New Orleans defense, a unit that raNked 14th in the NFL in total defense last season.
Alonso had reportedly requested a trade from Miami earlier this month, and the Dolphins were simply going to cut him if they could not find a suitable trade partner. Alonso had even cleaned out his locker in anticipation that he would be on the move, one way or another:
Dolphins are at least halfway through their cuts but tougher ones will come today. One you should expect on the list if he isn't traded: LB Kiko Alonso. Former starter who has been out most of camp and not a great fit in new scheme. I've heard he already cleaned out his locker.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 31, 2019
Biegel, meanwhile, played 14 games for the Saints last season but made just four tackles. He might merely be a filler piece for now.
New Orleans now has perhaps their greatest playmaker at the linebacker position since Jonathan Vilma, and they have certainly improved their chances to make a Super Bowl run this season.
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