ALLEN PARK -- Alex Anzalone didn’t get the long-term security or pay bump he was likely seeking.
However, the Detroit Lions and the veteran linebacker were able to reach a short-term solution, and everyone seems content to move forward toward the season, for now.
The Lions adjusted Anzalone’s contract last week, adding $250,000 to his $6 million base salary while guaranteeing both, and adding more incentives to increase his potential earning power.
Anzalone’s “weird” contract situation was a major talking point through the first week of training camp. He was also dealing with a hamstring injury suffered during his conditioning test, but eventually returned to practice without a new contract.
He made it clear that he wanted the opportunity to retire with the Lions. Still, he felt he was underpaid, given his productivity as a four-time captain and when compared to the NFL linebacker market. Before the recent adjustment, Anzalone ranked 35th in terms of average per-year salary among linebackers. While there is a little extra cash coming his way, with the potential to earn more, this remains a contract year for Anzalone.
Brad Holmes, the team’s general manager, discussed the situation during his sit-down interview with 97.1 The Ticket on Wednesday.
“You know, look, it’s normal football business. It’s just the business aspect of it,” Holmes said. “We value Anzalone highly. All the things that he’s done for us, and he’s been a four-time captain for us, and all that. He is still a good player. He played well last year. He’s getting a little longer in the tooth.
“But as far as what we’re seeing right now, he’s still performing well. Was happy that we were able to come to some type of resolution for the immediate right now. Look, I’m sure that Anzalone would tell you that he’s glad it’s behind him for the immediate for right now, so he can just go out there, concentrate and play football. He’s looked good out here.”
Anzalone has returned to full team drills, and to Holmes’ point, has looked good on the field. He made an impressive interception off a tipped pass during the team’s physical Monday night practice earlier this week. And the linebacker has been back next to Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes in the middle with the first-team defense.
The 30-year-old had 63 tackles, including seven for loss and five quarterback hits across 10 games in 2024. He returned from a broken forearm and helped shut down Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson in the winner-take-all season finale.
Anzalone notched 4.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and 254 total tackles combined across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He has been the ideal pairing as Jack Campbell develops, with Barnes able to bounce around the field and showcase his versatility.
The linebacker previously said he wanted a chance to win a Super Bowl, and feels that opportunity is ripe for the taking in Detroit. He is a Day 1 foundational piece of Dan Campbell and Holmes’ operation for the Lions, and for now, he’s putting the business aspect to the side for the team.
Anzalone spoke with the media after Wednesday’s practice -- and Holmes’ comments -- in Allen Park. He reportedly told reporters, via 97.1 The Ticket, that “At least it’s something, right?”
“(You) just gotta go about your business, and now, it’s time to play football,” Anzalone said. “Business and football are hard to blend -- it’s like oil and vinegar, and sometimes it kind of gets blended up. But I’m the type of person that’s just like, I’m gonna put my best foot forward and play the best football I can play.
“I agreed to it, and (am) moving on.”
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