Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Kiko Alonso (47) after defeating the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Saints-Dolphins linebacker swap brings Kiko Alonso to New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints added a linebacker with extensive starting experience Sunday.
In a swap of linebackers with the Miami Dolphins, the Saints acquired 2013 second-round NFL draft pick Kiko Alonso in exchange for Vince Biegel, who played primarily on special teams in his lone season with New Orleans.
Alonso started all 46 games he played over three seasons with the Dolphins. His 125 tackles and three interceptions in 2018 were his most since his standout rookie season with the Buffalo Bills. Over the last three seasons, his 354 tackles ranked fifth in the league during that span.
The Saints completed training camp with starting linebacker Alex Anzalone and top backup Craig Robertson both working their way back from unspecified injuries. The Saints also put three linebackers on injured reserve during the two-day roster cut-down period.
Alonso also is working his way back from an unspecified injury. He did not play in any of the four exhibition games this preseason.
It is not yet clear where he fits in the Saints linebacker hierarchy.
This is the third time Alonso has been traded, going from the Bills to the Eagles and then the Dolphins.
The Bills traded him in 2015 for running back LeSean McCoy, and the Eagles traded him in 2016 in a deal that also gave the Dolphins a 2016 first-round pick used on Laremy Tunsil in a deal that ultimately helped the Eagles land quarterback Carson Wentz at No. 2 overall.
Incidentally, Alonso's new team will open the season with Tunsil's new team, as the left tackle went to the Houston Texans along with wideout Kenny Stills in a trade completed Saturday.
With the trade, the Saints linebacker roster consists of Anzalone and Alonso along with starters Demario Davis and A.J. Klein, Robertson and seventh-round drafted rookie Kaden Elliss.
Biegel came to the Saints last season soon after the Green Bay Packers released him at the end of the preseason. His move to Miami will put him on a third team in his three NFL seasons.
