The Detroit Lions added a familiar name to their linebacker room on Tuesday, signing veteran Zach Cunningham as the team prepares to open the final phase of its offseason program. A former standout at Pinson Valley High School and All-American at Vanderbilt, Cunningham brings experience and depth to a group currently missing two key contributors.
Starting linebacker Alex Anzalone is sitting out voluntary workouts while seeking a new contract, and Malcolm Rodriguez is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered late last season. While the expected starting trio for 2025 is Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and Derrick Barnes, the Lions are looking to shore up the rotation before training camp.
Cunningham, 29, is entering his ninth NFL season. He played sparingly for the Broncos last year, appearing in just 15 defensive snaps across seven regular-season games. But he’s not far removed from a productive 2023 season with the Eagles, where he recorded 94 tackles in 11 starts.
Once the NFL’s leading tackler in 2020 with 164 stops, Cunningham now gets a shot to revive his career in Detroit. Even if he doesn’t crack the starting lineup, his experience could prove valuable as the Lions continue building a defense they hope will carry them deep into the postseason.
Zach Cunningham Signs With Lions Amid Anzalone Holdout, Rodriguez Injury
