By Sunday 
It’s training camp season, and for the Detroit Lions, that means more than just installing plays and getting reps in — it also means navigating the ever-tricky world of player contracts. One name at the center of that spotlight? Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone, who’s set to make $6 million this season but thinks he’s earned a bit more. And honestly? He might have a point.
📈 Anzalone’s Value Is No Secret
Anzalone hasn’t thrown a tantrum. He’s not holding out. But he has made his stance clear.
“It’s just kind of obvious, I think. Production, play, the market,” Anzalone said via Pride of Detroit.
And he’s not wrong. He finished fourth on the team in tackles last season, and second in tackles for loss, anchoring the defense through a gritty playoff run. That’s not just production — it’s reliability.
With a rising salary cap and the Lions poised to make a serious Super Bowl push, keeping that kind of veteran presence intact feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity.
💬 Dan Campbell Isn’t Sweating It
If you’re hoping for drama, look elsewhere. Head coach Dan Campbell isn’t panicking — and he made sure everyone knows the locker room is still in sync.
“You guys know how I feel about Alex, how we feel about Alex. He’s one of our dudes… There’s no animosity here,” Campbell told reporters.
It’s business — not beef.
🤕 Injury Adds a Wrinkle
Of course, Anzalone hasn’t hit the field yet at camp due to a nagging hamstring injury. That adds an extra layer to the contract talks. But there’s no word that it’ll keep him sidelined long, and given his history with the team, there’s no reason to believe this will derail negotiations.
🤔 So… Why the Delay?
One thing that did raise eyebrows: linebacker Derrick Barnes, with less on-field production, already got his extension. Fair play to Barnes — he’s earned his rise — but it does make you wonder why a veteran like Anzalone, who’s been with the team through the rebuild and delivered on the field, is still waiting.
Maybe it’s just a matter of time. Or maybe the Lions are playing the long game, seeing how things shake out in the early weeks of camp.
🏁 Bottom Line
There’s no locker room drama, no flashy headlines — just a veteran linebacker who’s quietly standing up for his worth. And in a season where Detroit is chasing real postseason glory, keeping the core intact might be more valuable than saving a few bucks.
Will they pay him?
That’s the $6 million question.