Alex Anzalone’s Exit Could Be a Quiet Win for the Bears in the NFC North Race
The Chicago Bears finally climbed back to the top of the NFC North last season, claiming their first division crown since 2018. But if history tells us anything, staying on top is always tougher than getting there.
The Packers, Lions, and Vikings are all gearing up to knock the Bears off that perch, and every little advantage could matter. One of those advantages might’ve just come from an unexpected place: Detroit’s own linebacker room.
Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone, a key cog in the Lions’ defense over the past few seasons, may have signaled the end of his time in Detroit-and not quietly either. In a now-deleted social media post, Anzalone voiced frustration over being left out of a highlight reel showcasing the Lions’ top pass breakups from last season.
His post pointed out that he had a career-high nine pass deflections in 2024, yet none made the cut. The message was capped off with a rolling eyes emoji, a subtle but clear sign of discontent.
It might seem like a small thing, but in the world of NFL locker rooms and offseason decisions, moments like this can be telling. Anzalone is set to hit free agency, and if there was any hope for a return to Detroit, that bridge may be burning fast.
A Proven Leader on the Way Out
Anzalone has been more than just a stat-sheet filler in Detroit. Since joining the Lions in 2021-following head coach Dan Campbell from New Orleans-he’s been a tone-setter for the defense.
Across five seasons, he’s racked up 306 total tackles, 9.0 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, and 32 quarterback hits. He’s also posted back-to-back seasons with over 125 tackles, including a gutsy 2024 campaign where he returned from a broken forearm to help the Lions secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
That kind of production and toughness doesn’t go unnoticed. But the reality in Detroit is that the linebacker room is getting crowded-and younger.
The Lions extended Derrick Barnes last season and still have promising players like Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez waiting in the wings. With contract extensions looming for both, Anzalone seems to be the odd man out.
And judging by his recent social media activity, he knows it.
What This Means for the Bears
For Chicago, this is welcome news. Anzalone may not be in his prime anymore, but his leadership and experience have been crucial for a Detroit team that’s dealt with its fair share of injuries, especially during their recent playoff push. Losing him not only weakens the Lions’ linebacker depth-it also puts more pressure on less proven players like Barnes, who struggled in coverage last season, allowing a 112.4 passer rating and earning a modest 61.5 grade from Pro Football Focus.
That’s a potential soft spot the Bears can look to exploit, especially after dropping both games to the Lions last year. And with Detroit also in the middle of an offensive coaching staff overhaul, the timing couldn’t be worse for them-or better for Chicago.
The Bears know the rest of the division is coming for them. But if Anzalone’s departure becomes official, it’s one less problem they’ll have to deal with on Sundays. In a division where the margins are razor-thin, that could make all the difference.
For now, it’s just one offseason storyline. But come fall, it might be one that helps shape the NFC North all over again.