Former Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso holds a unique place in team history after the team turned his promising rookie season into a trade that landed them a drought-breaking running back.
The 2015 trade kicked off a career filled with moves for Alonso, who could finally see his NFL record number of trades surpassed by another veteran.
Kiko Alonso Knocked Out of the History Books
The Bills found a breakout star in Alonso, who started 16 games his rookie season in 2013, making 159 total tackles with 2.0 sacks, four interceptions, four passes defensed, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He finished second in voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year and gave hope that the Bills could snap their 13-year playoff drought.
But the Bills pulled off a blockbuster move the next offseason, shipping Alonso to the Philadelphia Eagles in a straight-up trade for running back LeSean McCoy. The All-Pro running back became a fixture of Buffalo’s backfield, helping the team finally break the playoff drought in 2017.
Alonso was traded three more times before his NFL career came to an end in 2019, setting an NFL record for being traded the most times. That mark could be in danger, with NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reporting that the New Orleans Saints are shopping wide receicer Brandin Cooks ahead of this year’s trade deadline.
“If that happens, Cooks would make history,” Rapoport wrote.
“Cooks, 32, has been traded four times in his 12-year career, tied for most in NFL history with linebacker Kiko Alonso and Hall of Famer running back Eric Dickerson. Cooks was traded from the Saints to the Patriots in 2017; the Patriots to the Rams in 2018; the Rams to the Texans in 2020; and the Texans to the Cowboys in 2023.”
Bills Could Be Buyers for Brandin Cooks
League insiders have reported that the Bills are in the market for a wide receiver ahead of the NFL trade deadline. While they have not been specifically linked to Cooks, their desire for more help in the receiving corps could make them a candidate for the veteran receiver.
Cooks has 14 receptions for 127 yards this season, lingering near the fringes of the depth chart. The Saints have been seen as likely sellers at the trade deadline, but could be holding onto their top receiver.
The Athleticâs Dianna Russini reported that the Saints have no plans to move receiver Chris Olave.
âBarring an unforeseen change, the Saints are not expected to move WR Chris Olave despite interested suitors. Last week, I reported that the two sides are discussing an extension,â Russini reported on Saturday.â
The Bills could have other targets on the trade market, including Las Vegas Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers. He had previously asked the Raiders for a trade, then reiterated this week that he still hopes to find a new NFL home.
âOh for sure,â Meyers said, via ESPNâs Ryan McFadden, responding to a reporter’s question about whether his trade request still stands. âBut Iâm a professional at the end of the day. Iâm just trying to play good football.â
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