The Detroit Lions have been busy locking up their core: Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, David Montgomery, and Alim McNeill all have fresh contracts. But those deals are starting to pile up on the salary cap—and now Detroit’s front office has a tough decision to make with linebacker Alex Anzalone.
Let’s be clear: they can’t let him walk.
Anzalone has been the heart and soul of this Lions defense since Dan Campbell brought him over from New Orleans in 2021. Back then, he signed a one-year deal. Fast forward, and he’s become the voice in the huddle, a locker room leader, and one of the most consistent defenders on the field.
In his time with Detroit, he’s racked up 254 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 24 pass deflections. He’s also one of only four players in franchise history to post back-to-back seasons with 125+ tackles. Even after fracturing his forearm in 2024, he came back in Week 18 like he never left, helping the defense dominate Minnesota.
This guy isn’t just a stat machine—he makes the whole defense better when he’s out there. Younger players feed off his energy, and his football IQ makes him an on-field coach.
His contract’s up after this season, and while the Lions already owe $1.2 million in 2026 due to a void year, that’s not the reason to re-sign him. They need him because he matters. His presence is bigger than just numbers.
Yes, the cap is tight. Yes, there are other deals to handle. But if Detroit wants to stay tough on defense and keep building the culture that’s made this team a contender, Brad Holmes needs to make sure Anzalone finishes his career in the Motor City.
Lions Risk Defensive Setback Without Immediate Anzalone Extension
