Veteran Linebacker Opens Up About His Future in Detroit

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone recently opened up about his contract situation, and it’s clear he’s feeling a bit let down. While he still holds a deep affection for the organization and hopes to finish his career in Detroit, the lack of progress on a new deal has left him frustrated.

Speaking for the first time since speculation began about his desire for a contract extension, Anzalone, 30, didn’t hide his emotions.

“I’m disappointed. I’ll just say that. I’m disappointed,” he admitted. He went on to add, “This is a weird situation. And I didn’t — it wasn’t on my end, or my agent’s end.”

Anzalone is entering the final year of a three-year contract that will pay him $6 million in 2025. But with several other NFL linebackers recently landing lucrative deals — like Zack Baun ($51 million), Fred Warner ($63 million), and Nick Bolton ($45 million) — Anzalone believes his value is higher than what his current contract reflects.

“It’s just kind of obvious, I think. Production, play, the market,” he said, pointing to his consistent performance and leadership on the field.

Currently nursing a hamstring injury, Anzalone chose not to hold out from training camp, even though he’s still without a new agreement. He said it was a personal decision based on his commitment to the team.

“It’s all relative, right, as far as financial situations. But I’m in a situation where I thought about it and, for my own personal goals and what I want for the team, I didn’t think it was the best scenario (to not report),” he explained.

When asked if he would resume practicing without a deal in place, he remained vague.

“I mean, I’m just taking this day-to-day right now. I mean, we’ll see. I have no clue,” Anzalone responded.

Still, despite his current frustrations, his loyalty to the Lions hasn’t wavered.

“I put so much into my time here, being a four-time captain. My teammates, the city, and just living here, you can list all the reasons,” he said. “It’s just important to me. I feel like I love this place. I want that opportunity.”

The Lions organization has remained quiet on the matter. When asked, head coach Dan Campbell kept things close to the vest.

“He’s here, reported, did great on the conditioning test, weight’s good and ready to go,” Campbell said.