Lions Linebacker Shake-Up: Is Anzalone the Odd Man Out?

As the Detroit Lions kick off training camp, veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone finds himself squarely in the spotlight, with fans and analysts debating whether his final contract year might be his last in Motown.

🔍 Contract Drama and Camp Uncertainty
Entering the final year of his three-year, $18.75 million deal, Anzalone skipped spring workouts—amplifying speculation that his contract may not get renewed. Despite being a team captain and defensive stalwart, Detroit’s front office reportedly wants to evaluate younger, cost-effective talent before committing long-term  .

🔥 Jack Campbell Emerges as the Future
Second‑year linebacker Jack Campbell has seized the opportunity, racking up 131 tackles last season and serving as the de facto field play‑caller when Anzalone was injured  . Today, many view Campbell as the Lions’ “building block” at linebacker. Any regression in Campbell’s performance could determine whether Anzalone remains a necessity  .

🏈 A Deep, Competitive Room
Behind the starters—Anzalone, Campbell, and Derrick Barnes—the linebacker room is crowded. Prospects like Grant Stuard, Trevor Nowaske, Anthony Pittman, Ezekiel Turner, plus free agent veteran Zach Cunningham, will all battle for depth spots  . Sophomore Malcolm Rodriguez is expected to return in November, further muddying the waters  .


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Why This Matters

Age & Cap Considerations: At 30, Anzalone is on the “wrong side of 30,” and the Lions may hesitate to offer a big, long-term extension  .

Performance Impact: Detroit’s defense noticeably improved with Anzalone on the field—top 10 in DVOA—and fell off balance during his absence last season  .

Strategic Outlook: With multiple linebackers entering free agency after 2025, drafting or promoting younger talent aligns with Detroit’s sustainable approach  .



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Key Questions to Watch in Camp

1. **Will Anzalone report without a new deal?**
His offseason absence sparked whispers of holdout, but coaching staff indicates no hard feelings so far  .


2. **Can Campbell replicate his breakout form?**
His coverage (114.4 passer rating allowed) remains his biggest challenge, though playmaking ability has earned team and media buzz as a building block  .


3. **Which backup impresses?**
Stuard, Nowaske, Pittman, Turner, and Cunningham will push for roster spots—teams may choose up to seven in the linebacker corps  .




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Bottom Line

The Lions begin training camp anchored by a proven linebacker trio, but Anzalone’s contract situation and the surge of younger talent has created a compelling storyline. His presence—or absence—may shape Detroit’s defensive leadership beyond 2025. Meanwhile, Campbell stands ready to claim the mantle, giving fans plenty to watch in Allen Park this summer.