The New Orleans Saints defense figures to be a strength of the team again in 2020, even if multiple starters are returning from season-ending injuries. Defensive end Marcus Davenport, linebacker Alex Anzalone, and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins are each expected to be ready for the July 28 start of Saints training camp later this summer, and now another name has been added to the list: linebacker Kiko Alonso.
Alonso exited the Saints’ playoff loss to the Minnesota Vikings with a torn ACL, and shared an update earlier this offseason on his progress in recovery. Now, a report from NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill puts Alonso’s timeline on pace to return in time for camp, too.
Having everyone ready to go at full speed in July is big news. The Saints usually field just two linebackers at a time, favoring an extra defensive back in most looks, so Alonso and Anzalone should compete with rookie draft pick Zack Baun for the right to start next to their All-Pro teammate Demario Davis. If all of their linebackers are healthy and firing on full cylinders, the Saints should be able to trot out the best combination possible.
And Alonso shouldn’t be ruled out of the equation. He played well in his first year with New Orleans (having been acquired in a last-minute trade with the Miami Dolphins before the season-opener), though he missed time with a quadriceps muscle injury.
He also agreed to a renegotiated contract that rewards him for seeing more action, ranging from a $250,000 bonus for playing 27% of snaps to $3.95 million for clearing 90% — plus escalators in being active for 10, 12, or 14 games. Alonso played more than 91% of snaps over 15 or more games each of his last three years in Miami, so he has a shot at contributing often for New Orleans.
