Blockbuster Trade: Alonso for McCoy

by Mario Granata
Early reports are starting that the Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills are going to culminate a trade that would send LeSean McCoy to Buffalo for Kiko Alonso.

As reported, the Eagles are looking to upgrade their linebacker core with the addition of Kiko Alonso, who was a nominee for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013, for LeSean McCoy and the trade could come as early as next week. 

For the Bills:
The Bills, after taking Alonso in the 2nd round of the 2013 draft, end up will upgrade their running back position, because of the uncertainty of Alonso.  Because he was selected in the 2nd round, his contract was only for 4 years.  That would make 2015 his "getting back on the field" year, and 2016 would be his contract year.  With the various complexities that go along with a Rex Ryan defense, and the emergence of Preston Brown and Nigel Bradham last year, the Bills could pick up another linebacker either in the draft of free agency to fill his spot. 

The addition of McCoy gives a burst to the Bills and some consistency that they have been lacking from that position, and with the projected 34 million that the Bills have under the cap, they can certainly afford McCoy's contract.  McCoy was set to make nearly 12 million this season, but due to the trade, the Bills will have to account for about approximately 10.25 of that for 2015 due to his guaranteed and cash considerations built into the deal. His cap number in 2016 and 2017 drops significantly.

For the Eagles:
The Eagles were looking for linebacker help, and with the addition of Alonso, a player coming off missing a season with an injury, it will pose some questions.  The Eagles lose McCoy, which was a luxury in a Chip Kelly offense, as it is a very open pass heavy offense. 

The Eagles, likewise will have enough cap space, and will more than likely pursue Greg Hardy.  With the addition of Hardy up front and Alonso patrolling the second level the Eagles will pose problems for the rest of the NFC East.

With the reunion of Kelly and Alonso the real question that remains now is will the Eagles flip someone to the Browns to obtain another first round pick to negotiate with Tennessee for the #2 overall pick and reunite Kelly with Marcus Mariota? 

Also does this make DeMarco Murray a player in the Eagles sweepstakes?