The Chargers are going to make a play at linebacker. Whether it’s in free agency, trading for one, drafting one, or two out of the three. Who knows just how, but there will be a linebacker on the roster that wasn’t on the roster last year. Bleacher Report made a suggestion that was out of left field. Ian Wharton believes the Chargers should trade for LB Kiko Alonso. Here’s what he said:
Trading for Miami Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso would reinforce a position of need for the Chargers while making them more dynamic. Though Alonso’s effectiveness runs hot and cold, his ability to create turnovers helps to justify his $8.3 million cap hit for a contender. Meanwhile, it doesn’t make sense for the Dolphins to keep him around as they head into a rebuild.
Playing behind Brandon Mebane, Joey Bosa, Corey Liuget and Melvin Ingram would also open pass-rush lanes for the weak-side linebacker. The Chargers wouldn’t ask Alonso to be a star, and he would be insurance for if Denzel Perryman can’t stay healthy or leaves in free agency.
He’d likely be available for a Day 3 pick.
Alonso only missed one game last year, but is known to have an injury history. PFF graded him as a 49 overall, which is well below the “average” of 70. Alonso is known for his speed and ability to tackle. Would you make this trade? For a day three pick. That’s where the value comes into play.
The Chargers are likely to find a player as competent on the third day of the draft as Alonso. Alonso has two years left on a $28 million contract.
