New Orleans Saints linebacker Kiko Alonso announced his retirement from professional football on Saturday after the Saints brought him in for one training camp practice. Alonso will end his NFL career after playing in six seasons. He was originally a second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2013 out of the University of Oregon. The 31-year-old also had stops with the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins before last playing with the Saints in 2019, when he had only 31 tackles (25 solo), three tackles for loss and a pass defensed in 13 games (four starts). Alonso will finish his NFL career with 588 tackles (369 solo), three sacks, 30 tackles for loss, 17 QB hits, 10 interceptions (one for a touchdown), 17 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries in 86 games (67 starts).
Free-agent linebacker Kiko Alonso will join the Saints on a one-year deal, marking his second stint with the club. The 31-year-old was selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Bills. Since then, he had stops in Philadelphia and Miami. He last suited up for New Orleans in 2019, so his familiarity with the defense gave him the edge over others vying for a spot on the roster. The veteran has also dealt with injuries and off-the-field issues throughout his career. While Alonso has had some productive seasons over the years, he's not expected to offer much of anything to IDP participants.
Kiko Alonso
• ILB
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Saints
