San Francisco traded Kwon Alexander to New Orleans for Kiko…
San Francisco traded Kwon Alexander to New Orleans for Kiko Alonso and a conditional fifth-round pick that became Deommodore Lenoir in 2021. Alonso supplied no playing return, but Lenoir developed into a long-term member of the secondary and earned a major extension. That direct draft outcome gives the 49ers the stronger lasting value from the exchange.
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Kwon Alexander
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Kiko Alonso
- pick 2021 5th round pick (172nd overall, Deommodore Lenoir )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On November 2, 2020, the 49ers traded linebacker Kwon Alexander to New Orleans for linebacker Kiko Alonso and a conditional fifth-round choice. The selection ultimately landed in the 2021 draft at number 172, where San Francisco selected cornerback Deommodore Lenoir. The pick was therefore a direct 49ers acquisition and selection, not a later player belonging to another team.
San Francisco 49ers Return
San Francisco traded Kwon Alexander to New Orleans for Kiko Alonso and a conditional fifth-round pick that became Deommodore Lenoir in 2021. Alonso supplied no playing return, but Lenoir developed into a long-term member of the secondary and earned a major extension. That direct draft outcome gives the 49ers the stronger lasting value from the exchange.
New Orleans Saints Return
New Orleans acquired Kwon Alexander to strengthen its linebacking group, surrendering Kiko Alonso and a conditional fifth-round selection. Alexander offered immediate defensive help, but the choice became Deommodore Lenoir for San Francisco. The Saints received a veteran fit for their near-term needs; the 49ers obtained the more durable roster asset through the player they drafted.
Value in Hindsight
The trade illustrates why a small draft asset can matter when the receiving team converts it successfully. San Francisco did not obtain value from both pieces: Alonso contributed no playing return. Its advantage rests on Lenoir, whose value belongs directly to this side of the transaction. New Orleans obtained a shorter-term answer rather than the more enduring asset.
Final Verdict
San Francisco 49ers Win. A B+ recognizes the conversion of a conditional fifth-round choice into a player retained on a major extension. New Orleans receives a C+ for an understandable veteran acquisition whose lasting value did not match the cornerback drafted with the pick it surrendered. The grade rests on realized personnel value rather than hypothetical salary savings.