Eagles pull blockbuster trade, swap LeSean McCoy for Kiko Alonso

The Eagles and Chip Kelly shocked the NFL and the city of Philadelphia when Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Birds traded LeSean McCoy for Bills linebacker Kiki Alonso.

Philly parts ways with the most worked runner in football in McCoy, who has rushed 626 times over the last two seasons. In 2013 he had a breakout season, leading the NFL in rushing. He has the most yards in football over the last five seasons, 6,155. He’s also the Eagles’ all-time leading rusher.

McCoy had expressed his wish to return to Philly, and Kelly mentioned he wanted McCoy back, but clearly Kelly has a greater plan in mind.

Since taking control of the front office, Kelly has let Todd Herremans and Cary Williams walk and it appears likely he will let DeMeco Ryans and Trent Cole go as well.

The trend appears to be getting younger and cheaper — and Eagles fans can only hope he is gearing up to make a big move.

McCoy opens up $10 million in salary cap space, with recent offseason moves possibly creating $40 million of space.

Added to their linebacking corps is Alonso, who played for Kelly at Oregon and had a stellar rookie season in 2013 collecting 159 tackles. The leading tackler for the Birds was Mychal Kendricks last season with 82. He is the ninth player to join the Eagles who was a Duck.

Alonso missed the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL but he is expected to be a stud, possibly an all-pro linebacker for years to come at just 24-years-old.

Free agency begins next week and the Eagles will certainly be an active participant. Stay tuned.