The Miami Dolphins made the first significant trade of the new league year this week with an agreement in place with the Philadelphia Eagles to land linebacker Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Miami will send draft picks in exchange for the two players when the trade is finalized this week.

Now that Alonso and Maxwell are on their way to Miami, let’s reset a defense that finished 25th in the NFL last season.

Starting linebackers: MLB Alonso, OLB Koa Misi, OLB Jelani Jenkins

Analysis: Miami’s linebacker corps needed help and look better and more athletic with Alonso in the middle. Alonso recorded 159 tackles and four interceptions during his rookie season in 2013. That was before multiple injuries held him to just 11 games the last two seasons. The Dolphins are hoping Alonso can return to his old form in 2016 and give them a playmaking presence behind stud defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. This also keeps Misi at his natural position at outside linebacker. A huge concern I have with this trio is durability. All three have been banged up the last couple of seasons. Miami better have quality depth ready to step up off the bench. Chances are not high that this trio will stay healthy and start all 16 games together this season.

Starting secondary: CB Maxwell, CB TBD, S Reshad Jones, S TBD

Analysis: The acquisition of Maxwell was interesting. I did not like the player I saw with the Eagles last year. Maxwell did not adjust to being a No. 1 cornerback or Philadelphia’s defensive scheme. The Dolphins believe they can coach Maxwell up and get him closer to the player he was early in his career with the Seattle Seahawks. New defensive coordinator Vance Joseph works very well with secondary players and needs to get the best out of Maxwell. Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel reports Miami is cutting Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes this week. That essentially means Miami is making a Maxwell-for-Grimes swap, which is a questionable decision. Pro Bowl safety Jones will return on the back end and it remains to be seen who the other starter will be. The Dolphins still have work to do on the back end.