Dolphins Acquire Byron Maxwell, Kiko Alonso From Eagles

(photo credit: philly.com)

(photo credit: thescore.com)

(photo credit: erikpelton.com)

The Miami Dolphins have made moves to sure up two positions of weakness in one fell swoop Monday, trading for Eagles CB Byron Maxwell and LB Kiko Alonso, giving up undisclosed draft picks in the process according to NFL Media.

After cutting WR Greg Jennings and restructuring the contracts of DT Ndamukong Suh and LB Koa Misi, the Dolphins have the necessary cap room for Maxwell’s $8.5 million contract. Bringing in Maxwell allows the Dolphins some leverage to either cut or restructure CB Brent Grimes contract, who’s slated to make $8 million this season.

Alonso fills a dire need at the middle linebacker position, and at under a $1 million salary, is a great value. Miami ranked 28th against the run last season, and would have been looking to the draft if they could not find someone through trade or free agency. Alonso was traded last season from the Buffalo Bills to Philadelphia for RB LeSean McCoy.

Both Alonso and Maxwell under performed last season, with Maxwell having the worst statistical year of his career, ranking as the 93^rd best corner according to Pro Football Focus, and Alonso recovering from an ACL tear after having a terrific rookie campaign.

Both players were huge acquisitions for the Chip Kelly era, which officially seems to be over with the team trading them for little compensation in return