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With Alex Anzalone Aging, Detroit Looks to the Future at Linebacker
The Detroit Lions are entering the 2025 season with a strong core and relatively few roster holes. However, as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL Draft, analysts are pointing out one position that could use some long-term planning—linebacker.
Lions Considering Future Without Alex Anzalone
For the past four seasons, Alex Anzalone has been a key piece of the Lions’ defense, providing leadership and stability. Over the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he recorded 254 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 12 passes defended, and 27 pressures.
However, injuries forced him to miss a significant portion of the 2024 season. While he still managed to play 91% of available snaps when healthy and contributed 63 tackles in 10 games, his durability is becoming a concern. Adding to the uncertainty, Anzalone will turn 31 in September, and his contract expires at the end of the 2025 season.
With these factors in mind, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggests the Lions should be proactive and draft his eventual replacement.
Top Draft Prospects to Watch
Ballentine highlights two standout college linebackers as potential successors:
- Danny Stutsman (Oklahoma): A consensus All-American in 2024, Stutsman has consistently been a tackling machine, recording over 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons. His combination of athleticism and instincts makes him a promising option for Detroit’s defense.
- Barrett Carter (Clemson): Named First-Team All-ACC in 2024, Carter racked up 82 tackles, including 11 for a loss. His versatility and ability to disrupt plays make him an intriguing prospect for the Lions.
Both players are projected to be selected late on Day Two or early on Day Three of the draft, which would make them affordable and strategic picks for Detroit’s front office.
Should the Lions Prioritize a Linebacker in the Draft?
While Detroit’s immediate needs lie in improving their edge rush and potentially replacing right guard Kevin Zeitler, the linebacker position cannot be overlooked. Anzalone’s leadership and experience have been invaluable, but the Lions must prepare for the possibility of his departure.
By investing in a young linebacker now, Detroit can ensure a smooth transition without scrambling to fill the void in 2026. Whether they select Stutsman, Carter, or another prospect, the Lions would be wise to start planning for the future at linebacker.