The New Orleans Saints have taken some hits at the linebacker position recently, with starting middle linebacker Alex Anzalone sidelined for most of the preseason with an undisclosed injury. Veteran backup Craig Robertson also missed time with his own unknown ailment, prompting the team to try out several different free agents over the summer. They ended up placing three linebackers on injured reserve during roster cuts, possibly prompting a trade for Miami Dolphins starter Kiko Alonso in exchange for Saints reserve Vince Biegel.
On Monday, Payton downplayed that notion by clarifying their motivations to acquire Alonso. “No, that’s a fair question,” he admitted during his weekly press conference, “But it was more about just Alonso being available.