The New Orleans Saints have traded for linebacker Kiko Alonso.
As first reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Saints are trading backup linebacker Vince Biegel to the Miami Dolphins for the 29-year-old Alonso who has spent the past three seasons as a starter in South Beach.
In his three seasons with Miami, Alonso recorded 355 tackles, 6 forced fumbles, 11 pass deflections, 5 interceptions and 1 sack. Alonso also started 46 of possible 48 regular season games.
A second-round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2013, the 6-foot-3, 239-pound Alonso made an instant impact his rookie season as he 159 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 pass deflections, 4 interceptions. Alonso was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year by Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers Association.
Alonso though missed all of the 2014 season after suffering an ACL tear during the offseason.
The following year Alonso was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for LeSean McCoy, and appeared in 11 games before being traded to the Dolphins in 2016.
In five NFL seasons, the former Oregon Duck star has 557 tackles (344 solo), 16 pass deflections, 10 interceptions and 7 forced fumbles.
The 26-year-old Biegel meanwhile was a 2017 fourth-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers and played in nine games while dealing with a foot injury. After being waived before the 2018 seasons, Biegel was claimed by the Saints where he joined the practice squad before eventually being promoted to the active roster. In 2018, Biegel appeared in 14 games and recorded four tackles.