BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — LeSean McCoy will lead Rex Ryan’s “ground and pound” running attack with the Buffalo Bills next season.
A person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to trade McCoy, their star running back, to the Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso. The person spoke under condition of anonymity because the teams had not announced the deal.
ESPN first reported the trade.
The deal has been agreed to, but can’t be completed until the 2015 league season begins on Tuesday.
McCoy had an inconsistent season last year after leading the NFL with 1,607 yards rushing in 2013. At his best, McCoy is an elite multidimensional running back who has been a proven threat as both a runner and receiver.
He enjoyed his best season in 2013, scoring nine touchdowns rushing plus 539 yards receiving and one touchdown.
McCoy’s addition means the Bills are expected to pass on re-signing running back C.J. Spiller, who is eligible to become a free agent next week.
Alonso will be reunited with Chip Kelly, who coached the linebacker at his previous job at Oregon. Alonso made an immediate impact in Buffalo after being selected in the second round of the 2013 draft.
He emerged as an NFL defensive rookie of the year contender after leading Buffalo with 159 tackles, two fumble recoveries and tied for the team lead with four interceptions while barely missing a snap in playing all 16 games.
Alonso’s career was derailed in July, when he sustained a season-ending left knee injury during a pre-training camp workout at Oregon. He spent all of last season recovering and is expected to be healthy for the start of spring minicamps.
In Buffalo, McCoy will be reunited with former Eagles running back Bryce Brown, who was acquired by the Bills in a trade in May.
With questions at quarterback, the Bills are intending to introduce a run-heavy offense under Ryan and new offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
This article was written by John Wawrow from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.
