ALLEN PARK -- There was a weird couple of weeks between the Detroit Lions and veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone at the start of training camp.
Anzalone made it known he wanted a new contract and to have the ability to retire with the franchise he’s called home since 2021. While the Lions and Anzalone weren’t able to strike a new multi-year deal, both sides were able to come to a resolution that patched things up for the short term.
The Lions adjusted Anzalone’s contract last month, adding $250,000 to his $6 million base salary while guaranteeing both, and adding more incentives to increase his potential earning power. Anzalone, a four-time captain in Detroit, made it clear he felt underpaid based on the linebacker market and his productivity. He ranked 35th in average per-year-salary among linebackers, and while there is more cash coming his way and avenues to earn even more, this upcoming season is a contract year.
Anzalone previously said, “At least it’s something,” and that he agreed to it and “now, it’s time to play football.”
Lions general manager Brad Holmes offered more clarity on what happened with Anzalone’s contract dispute this offseason during his annual press conference heading into the regular season. Holmes left the door open for more discussions down the road, adding that he’s happy to have Anzalone back on the field and that he’s “here for the immediate right now.”
“ ... We do have a lot of players that we’re playing and we’re trying to keep around. But also, I understand from Alex’s standpoint, too,” Holmes said. “I’ve always said with Alex, he’s always been a good player. He just happened to go through some things early in his career that he peaked a little bit later. When you peak a little bit later, -- but you have all of these other things going on, and it’s hard to make the forecast sometimes.
“But I understand where he was coming from, we had productive communication with that, and I’m glad that we came to a resolution for the immediate. But we don’t know what the future’s going to hold long-term. It’s very well that we could be in a situation where it’s like, ‘Man, Alex, we need him for next year.’”
Anzalone has improved with each season he’s spent with the Lions after a injury-plagued start to his career in New Orleans. He’s been here since coach Dan Campbell and Holmes arrived, and has consistently been one of the most important voices in the locker room, not to mention one of their most productive defenders.
The Lions drafted linebacker Jack Campbell in the first round in 2023, and they just re-signed Derrick Barnes to a three-year deal worth $24 million. Campbell has been given the keys to the defense, while Barnes’ deal makes him a vital piece of that unit moving forward. But don’t be too quick to rush Anzalone out the door, because his ability to handle WILL linebacker has allowed those two younger linebackers to flourish.
Jack Campbell handles the MIKE duties and plays like he was made in a lab to chase down ball-carriers. He’s impressed the Lions with his growth at leading the defensive huddle and getting the calls in. Barnes hit new levels with his move to SAM and a more versatile role, tapping into some of the things he did best while in college at Purdue. However, Anzalone remains the team’s best coverage linebacker and is coming off some very productive seasons.
Before suffering his broken forearm, the 30-year-old had 63 tackles, including seven for loss in 10 games last year. He came back for the season finale against the Minnesota Vikings, steel plate and all, and was flying around the field with seven tackles, one quarterback hit and a pass breakup, making life hard for tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Anzalone totaled 4.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and 254 total tackles combined across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He excelled in Aaron Glenn’s defensive scheme and has closely worked with new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard every step of the way during his time here.
The Lions have a ton of business decisions ahead, meaning there will be some tough conversations down the road. Anzalone ran into that heading into this year, and with so many young players needing new deals, Holmes isn’t trying to predict the future. However, he’s also glad the veteran is back on the field for a team trying to hit on its Super Bowl window.
“You just don’t know (what the future holds), but glad that he’s with us for the immediate right now,” Holmes said. “Glad we’re able to reach something to get him in a better place, and I expect him to play good football for us.”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our [User Agreement](https://www.advancelocal.com/advancelocalUserAgreement/user-agreement.html) and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our [Privacy Policy.](https://www.advancelocal.com/advancelocalUserAgreement/privacy-policy.html)