Agent: Kiko Alonso excited about new Eagles d-coordinator

STEVE CARIC, the agent who negotiated tight end Zach Ertz's new five-year, $42.5 million contract extension, also happens to represent another Eagle - linebacker Kiko Alonso.

Caric said Alonso is "very excited" about the prospect of playing for new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Alonso, the NFL's defensive rookie of the year in 2013, was with the Bills in 2014 when Schwartz was hired as the team's defensive coordinator. But he never got a chance to play a snap for Schwartz, tearing his ACL before the start of training camp that year.

"He knows the defense," Caric said. "He spent the offseason in Buffalo that year playing in this defense. He went through OTAs and minicamp in this defense. He was in the meeting rooms all season long. I can tell you Kiko is very excited about playing in this defense."

Schwartz had planned to move Alonso to the WILL (weak side) linebacker spot in Buffalo before he got hurt. He played the MIKE (middle) as a rookie.

"I don't know the plan here," Caric said. "I'm assuming that's the (same) plan. But Kiko can play. He definitely can play MIKE or WILL in this defense."

Alonso struggled in his first season with the Eagles, missing most of the preseason as he rehabbed his knee injury, and then sitting out five of the first seven games with another knee injury.

"I don't think any player who has an ACL injury is totally healthy for an entire year," Caric said. "I'm not trying to make excuses for him, and quite frankly, I don't think Kiko played as poorly as you (media) guys made it out.

"I thought he had a solid year. Did he look like he did his rookie year? No. But I think he was coming back. And I think he'll come back this year stronger and healthier. I'm not worried about Kiko Alonso. Not at all.''