By Blessing 
Where Things Went Wrong Between the Lions and Veteran LB Alex Anzalone
For the past four seasons, linebacker Alex Anzalone and the Detroit Lions seemed like the perfect fit.
After joining the team in 2021, Anzalone quickly earned the trust of his teammates and coaches, becoming a four-time defensive captain. The organization allowed him to thrive, and in return, he became a reliable leader on and off the field. But as the Lions begin training camp for the 2025 season, that solid relationship is facing real strain.
Anzalone is now in the final year of his current deal, set to earn $6 million — the second-highest among Lions linebackers, but far from top-tier when compared to others in the league. It’s left him feeling undervalued.
“It’s just kind of obvious, I think,” Anzalone said when asked why he believes he’s underpaid. “Production, play, the market.”
Despite his consistent presence and leadership, the team hasn’t offered a new contract — even as other linebackers across the NFL have been getting paid. This offseason alone, Philadelphia’s Zack Baun landed a three-year, $51 million deal, while Kansas City gave Nick Bolton $45 million over the same period.
Meanwhile, Detroit extended fellow linebacker Derrick Barnes before he hit free agency — yet Anzalone’s situation remains unresolved.
This standoff marks the first time in years that a contract dispute has overshadowed Lions training camp. Historically, general manager Brad Holmes has acted swiftly in such matters. But this time, things feel different.
Part of the spotlight is also on how Anzalone voiced his dissatisfaction. Some believe he unintentionally made the situation more public than necessary.
“I wouldn’t have done that because you’re alerting everybody to, hey, you’re not happy,” a podcast host remarked. “We talked about it all offseason because every time someone would retweet something, there’s Alex with a question mark, and ‘Hey, look at this.’ You’re drawing attention to yourself… Alex deserves the contract… but you didn’t need to make this a spectacle.”
It’s a tough spot. Anzalone’s contributions on the field and in the locker room aren’t in question. Many believe he deserves a raise and a longer commitment. But with younger stars like Aidan Hutchinson possibly in similar positions soon, the Lions may be navigating a tricky balance.
As camp rolls on, the hope is that both sides can find a path forward — quietly and respectfully — before things spiral any further.