By Blessing 
Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone has made it clear he wants to stay in Detroit, but according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Lions aren’t exactly rushing to make that happen. Talks about a contract extension don’t appear to be going anywhere.
Just last week, Anzalone shared his disappointment over the team’s apparent hesitation. That sparked some hope when head coach Dan Campbell chimed in, saying negotiations were “still ongoing.”
Despite missing the early days of training camp with a hamstring issue, Anzalone was back on the field Monday—without any sign of a holdout. He’s entering the final year of the three-year contract he signed in 2023, a deal that followed his impressive 125-tackle season leading Detroit’s defense.
Now 32, Anzalone finds himself in a tough spot. While he’s a respected veteran, his résumé doesn’t quite match up with names like Bobby Wagner or Lavonte David, who each landed $9 million deals this offseason. Age and market value may complicate his shot at another long-term contract.
The Lions currently have around $48 million in cap space, but with major financial decisions looming in 2026, the team may be planning ahead. If Anzalone still wants to retire in the Motor City, it could mean agreeing to a more team-friendly deal down the road.