When Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes took the reins in Detroit, they weren’t just looking to tweak a few things-they were out to rebuild the Lions from the ground up. That meant tough decisions, like trading longtime quarterback Matthew Stafford and betting on Jared Goff.
It also meant building through the draft with foundational pieces like Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
But one of the smartest moves they made early on wasn’t a flashy draft pick or a blockbuster trade-it was bringing in linebacker Alex Anzalone.
Anzalone came over from New Orleans, where he already had a working relationship with Campbell. That familiarity paid off.
He quickly became a steadying presence on a young defense, and after solid performances in 2021 and 2022, the Lions rewarded him with a three-year, $18.75 million deal in 2023. He wasn’t just a starter-he was a captain, a communicator, and a tone-setter.
Now, five seasons into his Detroit tenure, Anzalone’s role has evolved. And with his contract up after 2025, the question is simple: Should the Lions bring him back in 2026?
Anzalone’s Role in 2025: Still Productive, Just Different
Coming into the 2025 season, it was clear the linebacker room was shifting. Jack Campbell, the 2023 first-round pick, had taken a major leap in his second year and was ready to take over the green-dot duties-the on-field defensive play-caller.
That naturally meant Anzalone would take a step back in terms of leadership responsibilities. But make no mistake: he was still expected to contribute, especially in coverage, where his instincts and experience have always shined.
And he delivered.
Anzalone started all 16 games, racking up 95 tackles, nine pass breakups, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a pick. He logged over 1,000 defensive snaps-still one of the team’s most dependable players on that side of the ball. His Pro Football Focus grades back that up: a solid 67.5 overall, with standout marks in tackling (78.5, 10th among qualifying linebackers) and respectable ratings across the board in run defense, pass rush, and coverage.
He finished second on the team in tackles behind Campbell and tied for second in pass deflections with Brian Branch, trailing only Amik Robertson. That’s not a player riding off into the sunset-that’s a guy still making plays.
The Contract Saga
Before the season even kicked off, Anzalone made it clear he wanted a new deal. He was vocal about his desire to retire as a Lion and felt underpaid relative to his production.
And frankly, he had a case. The Lions had been getting high-level play at a bargain rate-just over $6 million per year.
After some public back-and-forth and media buzz, the team adjusted his contract midseason, giving him a small raise. That helped calm things down enough for Anzalone to stay focused on football, and he responded with another solid campaign.
But the tension didn’t fully go away. In February, Anzalone took to social media to voice frustrations-some of which were aimed at the team’s digital staff. The tweets were later deleted, but the message was clear: the situation remains tense, and Anzalone still feels undervalued.
The 2026 Outlook: Time for a Tough Decision
Anzalone is set to hit free agency this offseason. And while the Lions clearly value his leadership and production, the financial picture is complicated.
Pros of bringing him back:
- He’s still a starting-caliber linebacker.
- He’s a respected voice in the locker room and a mentor for younger players.
- He knows the system inside and out and has been part of the team’s cultural turnaround.
Cons:
- Cost.
Spotrac estimates his market value at around $7.3 million per year, potentially on a two-year, $14.5 million deal.
- Age.
He turns 32 in September, and the Lions may want to get younger at the position.
- Opportunity cost.
Re-signing Anzalone could mean losing out on other key free agents like Amik Robertson or Al-Quadin Muhammad. It could also impact future extensions for core players like Campbell, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Branch.
Right now, only Campbell and Derrick Barnes are under contract at linebacker for 2026. So there’s a depth need-but it has to be balanced against the cap and the long-term vision.
Where Do Things Stand?
It doesn’t seem like the Lions and Anzalone are aligned at the moment. The midseason contract tweak felt like a temporary fix, not a long-term solution. And despite Dan Campbell’s continued praise for Anzalone’s value, the front office may be leaning toward moving on.
Anzalone, for his part, still wants to be in Detroit. But given the financial constraints and the rise of younger talent, a reunion feels unlikely unless something changes quickly.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those classic NFL crossroads moments. You’ve got a dependable veteran who’s still playing well and wants to stay-but the team has a budget to manage and a young core to prioritize.
If you bring Anzalone back, it might mean delaying or sacrificing deals for ascending stars. If you let him walk, you lose a leader and a stabilizing force on defense.
The Lions’ front office has made a lot of smart, disciplined decisions over the past few years. This one might be tough emotionally, but from a roster-building standpoint, the writing’s on the wall.
Alex Anzalone has been a big part of Detroit’s resurgence. But unless both sides find common ground soon, it looks like his time in Honolulu blue could be coming to an end.