Kiko Alonso sticks to Hispanic roots, signs contract extension with Miami Dolphins

It’s safe to say Kiko Alonso has found a home with the Miami Dolphins.

Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post reported on Twitter today that Alonso and the Dolphins have agreed on a contract extension. The deal is for three years (under contract for four years) worth $29 million, $18.5 of which is guaranteed.

Alonso has had an eventful four seasons in the NFL. He’s gone from defensive rookie of the year in 2013, injured reserve in 2014, piece in a trade that sent LeSean McCoy to Buffalo, an after-thought in Philadelphia and now a key piece to Miami’s defense.

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It’s safe to say the contract extension was all-but certain for both sides. Miami originally put a 1st-round tender on Alonso to prevent him from hitting the open market this offseason. On the tag he was set to make $3.91 million; if another team swooped in and offered him a contract that Miami didn’t want to match they would’ve received a 1st-round pick in exchange.

No teams offered Alonso a contract giving Miami time to work on a deal that would work for both sides.

With Alonso staying in South Florida it’s assumed he’s fine with the possibility of moving to weakside linebacker. The signing of Lawrence Timmons made some question if Alonso would want to stick around due to his desire to stay in the middle of Matt Burke’s defense.

Alonso will be able to continue celebrating his hispanic roots in Miami, a main reason why I believe he wanted to stay. Omar Kelly did that great piece on Alonso and his heritage last Fall. Alonso also told Schad last season “Miami? This is where I belong”.