5 LA Rams emergency LB signings from NFL Free Agency

ILB Alonso

Another former Eagles linebacker waits patiently in NFL Free Agency, and he is Kiko Alonso. Kiko Alonso was another linebacker out of Buffalo, who most recently was cut by the San Francisco 49ers just five days ago due to a failed physical. He last played for the New Orleans Saints in the 2019 playoffs, where he suffered an ACL injury to his knee.

Alonso has an interesting upside, as he has been consistently good at pass coverage at his position. He was part of the trade package between the 49ers and New Orleans Saints, which sent Kwon Alexander to the Saints. In the exchange, the earliest that Alonso was projected to have a chance of playing again was week 14.

Ace in the hole

While Alonso is not an immediate starter now, the upside for signing him is that he should be healthy enough to take the field when the Rams need him most, the last few weeks of the season and heading into the playoffs. After all, it’s that very reason which is why the 49ers obtained him from the Saints originally. However, after losing their sixth game of the season, the front office realized that the team would likely not need Alonso for the postseason.

Alonso, like the previous linebackers, is versatile enough to play all four positions in the Rams 3-4 scheme. And his road to health would not prevent the Rams from adding him to the practice squad now, to be called up later when he can take snaps. He would be a nice veteran presence on the team to help develop younger players as well.