Dolphins Sign Kiko Alonso To $28.8 Million Extension Through 2020
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DAVIE (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins have made a priority of resigning productive players instead of letting them go as free agents.
On Tuesday the Dolphins added another player to the list of guys they've extended following a strong 2016.
Miami and linebacker Kiko Alonso have agreed to a three year contract extension worth $28.8 million.
Alonso had previously expressed his desire to remain with the Dolphins and was very pleased to get the deal done.
"It means everything," Alonso said. "This is where I want to be and I'm just excited that it's official that I'm staying there."
The deal includes $18.5 million in guaranteed money and keeps Alonso, 26, with the Dolphins through 2020.
Alonso joins Kenny Stills, Andre Branch and Reshad Jones as Dolphins players to receive big contract extensions this offseason.
"Those guys are great players so it's definitely great to have them back," Alonso said. "I'm excited. I'm excited to get going and excited to get things rolling."
During his first season with Miami, Alonso played 15 games and recorded 115 tackles, recovered four fumbles and had two interceptions, one of which he returned for the game winning touchdown against San Diego.
Dolphins coaches commended Alonso for his play in 2016 so it's no surprise a concentrated effort was made to lock him up long term.
Alonso is also very excited to play in the same defensive system for a second straight year, something he has yet to do during his NFL career.
"It's definitely going to help," he said. "I know for me, this is the first year being in the same system back-to-back years. It just helps because the more reps you take in that same defense, the same terminology, you don't have to start from square one learning the terminology and all the new stuff. So we definitely have a head start."
Alonso, 26, was a second round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2013.
He took to his Instagram account to share his excitement and thank, well, everyone.
