The 2016 Maxwell-Alonso Trade: Miami Found Tunsil, Philadelphia Found Its Route to Wentz
Miami moved from No. 8 to No. 13 and added Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso. Philadelphia escaped two contracts and used the No. 8 pick as the launching point for its move to Carson Wentz.
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 2016 1st round pick (8th overall subsequently traded, Jack Conklin )
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick Byron Maxwell, Kiko Alonso and 2016 1st round pick (13th overall, Laremy Tunsil)
Trade Summary
Philadelphia sent Byron Maxwell, Kiko Alonso, and the No. 13 pick to Miami for the No. 8 pick. Miami selected Laremy Tunsil, who became an elite tackle and later produced another enormous trade return. Philadelphia escaped two unwanted contracts and used No. 8 as the foundation of its move for Carson Wentz. Both franchises achieved major strategic value.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Philadelphia sent cornerback Byron Maxwell, linebacker Kiko Alonso and the No. 13 pick in the 2016 draft to Miami for the No. 8 selection. The Dolphins stayed in the top half of the first round while adding two veterans. Philadelphia moved up five spots and removed two contracts from a roster being reshaped under Howie Roseman and Doug Pederson.
Why Miami Can Defend the Deal
The Dolphins used No. 13 on Laremy Tunsil after one of the draft's most dramatic slides. Tunsil developed into a high-level offensive tackle and later became the centerpiece of another massive Miami trade. Alonso also became a regular starter for the Dolphins. Maxwell's tenure was less successful, but Miami still converted the original exchange into meaningful player value.
Why Philadelphia's Side Became Bigger Than No. 8
The Eagles did not stay at No. 8. They used that selection as the foundation of the package that moved them to No. 2, where they selected Carson Wentz. Philadelphia's own retrospective has directly linked the Maxwell-Alonso deal to creating the path for Wentz. The club also gained salary flexibility by moving players who no longer fit its plan.
That distinction matters. The Eagles should not be credited with every downstream asset as though Miami handed them Wentz directly, but the No. 8 pick created the leverage needed for the next move.
The Long-Term Legacy
Both front offices achieved strategic goals. Miami found a premium tackle and added veteran starters. Philadelphia cleared contracts, moved up the board and created the route to a franchise quarterback.
Final Verdict
An Even Trade is a fair historical judgment. Miami's Tunsil outcome was excellent, while Philadelphia converted its side into the flexibility and draft position that helped reset the franchise.