Eagles trade Maxwell, Alonso to Dolphins for draft picks
Philadelphia Eagles Vice President of Football Operations Howie Roseman never got along with former head coach Chip Kelly. The now 49ers playcaller pushed Roseman out of his front office job for a less involved position across the building. With Kelly now gone and Roseman in control once again, it seems that Roseman is looking to eradicate anything Chip Kelly ever touched in Philadelphia.
The Eagles have pulled off a major cap-saving trade with the Miami Dolphins that includes cornerback Byron Maxwell and linebacker Kiko Alonso.
The official compensation has not been reported, but many say it will be draft picks.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was the first to report the two sides negotiating for Maxwell, while ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the involvement of Alonso in the deal
Kiko Alonso & Byron Maxwell have both been informed they are being traded to the #Dolphins, pending physicals, source said. It's happening
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2016
Alonso was acquired by Kelly for the Eagles all-time rusher LeSean McCoy prior to the 2015 season. Alonso was the Defensive Rookie of the Year during his time with the Buffalo Bills, but an ACL tear in his sophomore season has left him a shell of himself. He failed to play to expectations in 2015 and spent time dealing with injuries once again. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Byron Maxwell was just recently six year contract worth $63 million last offseason. He was another player brought in by Chip Kelly, another sign that the cap-conservative Howie Roseman may be looking to shed members of the Kelly regime. Maxwell carries a $9.7 million cap hit for 2016.
The Eagles did not have a second round pick in this years draft after Kelly sent it to the Rams in the Sam Bradford trade.
The Dolphins fill two big needs by getting Maxwell and Alonso, despite the question marks surrounding both of them. Maxwell’s questions are surrounding his talent while Alonso is health.
Miami lost Brice McCain and released Brent Grimes this offseason so bringing in Maxwell would greatly help their secondary. Alonso fills in a vacant linebacker roles that are currently filled by Kelvin Sheppard, Koa Misi, and Jelani Jenkins.
Courtesy of @nfldraftguy215 pic.twitter.com/FkhcEple0L
— NFL Mocks (@NFLMocks) March 7, 2016