The Kansas City Chiefs linebacker D.J. Alexander has been traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis. Alexander was a component of the Chiefs future special teams squad, and an up and coming linebacker. Although he was not set to start, he was named to the Pro Bowl in 2016. Pierre-Louis was a backup linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks linebacker since being drafted in the fourth round of the NFL draft in 2014. According to John Clayton at the Seahawks training camp, Pierre-Louis special teams ability was going to be his key to staying on the highly competitive Seahawks roster.
Chiefs traded LB DJ Alexander to Seahawks for LB Kevin Pierre-Louis.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2017
Kansas City Chiefs Trade DJ Alexander to Seattle Seahawks for Kevin Pierre-Louis
Alexander was a leader on the Kansas City Chiefs special teams in 2016 with five tackles, and one forced fumble. His impact was felt more in technique and leadership opposed to definitive statistics. Due to a plethora of injuries to the Chiefs linebacker core, Alexander was seen as a possible rising backup to Justin Houston or Derrick Johnson.
This trade marks the first of moves for new general manager Brett Veach. Veach discussed a “two to three-year plan” for the roster during his introductory press conference earlier this week. Minor trades such as this may be part of the plan moving forward.
Pierre-Louis has served as a reliable backup linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks since 2014, playing in 34 NFL games over his three-year career. This includes one start in 2015 and 16 total tackles. He was also a prominent part of the special teams unit that helped take the Seahawks to multiple playoff berths.
As stated earlier, Pierre-Louis needed to fight his way onto the roster. Both general managers may have seen better opportunities elsewhere in this one to one player swap.
The Kansas City Chiefs continue their training camp today at 3:30 central time with their first open practice. The Seattle Seahawks will start camp this Sunday.
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