Linebacker Kiko Alonso signed a four-year, $28.8 million extension with the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday. Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald initially reported on the financial details. Alonso spent his fourth and most recent season with the Miami Dolphins.
Kiko Alonso deal is 4 years total and $28.8M — signed thru 2020.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) March 21, 2017
Kiko Alonso Signs Four-Year Extension With Miami Dolphins
The Buffalo Bills second-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft did not disappoint: Kiko Alonso stormed onto the NFL scene with a nomination for the 2013 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award. In his first season, Alonso had a staggering 159 combined tackles, good for third among all defenders. The young Bill not only performed well against the run, but stood out in pass-coverage too. Alonso intercepted four passes, placing him in a three-way tie for the most interceptions among all linebackers. The company he shared this distinction with? Luke Kuechly, Karlos Dansby, and Sean Lee – all top players at the position.
Unfortunately, an exceptional start was derailed by a catastrophic ACL injury that saw Alonso miss his entire 2014 season. More distressing: this would be the third time that Alonso had suffered a severe injury in his career. Even more alarming: Alonso partially tore an ACL in 2015 after being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles that off-season for running back LeSean McCoy.
Before the 2015 tear, Alonso had shown flashes that he was close to recapturing the greatness he achieved in 2013. He had an incredibly-acrobatic interception against the Atlanta Falcons that nearly allowed the Eagles to make a comeback victory. However, a game later he suffered the aforementioned third tear. Though less severe, it was clear throughout the remainder of the season that he was recovering. By the end of 2015, Kiko Alonso hardly justified the steep price the Eagles paid for him. A new defensive scheme saw Alonso devalue even further, thus leading to him being traded once again.
In a package deal that sent picks to Philadelphia, Alonso found himself in Miami for his fourth season. Though still feeling the lasting effects of his injuries, the former Bill had moments of awe as he slowly learned his fourth defense.
In a Week 10 match-up with the now-Los Angeles Chargers, Alonso scored off a late-game interception that effectively sealed the game for Miami. Alonso anticipated a fourth quarter throw by Philip Rivers and jumped the route, carrying the ball 60 yards to the end zone with a renewed sense of speed, instinct, and acceleration. Only two weeks later, Alonso dominated the San Francisco 49ers with an impressive performance. Alonso was all over the field, garnering 11 combined tackles and an interception that assured Miami a victory. Without question, his play over the middle, whether in coverage or supporting the run-defense, was as close a performance to his 2013 standard as any.
Kiko Alonso has certainly had an injury-filled career, but there’s plenty of evidence that suggests he can perform when present. Alonso has tremendous potential to return to 2013-form provided he can simply stay on the field. If he stays healthy, any team that signs him may land a steal.
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