The linebacker is scheduled to receive a new contract in 2026; however, he was prevented from playing for an extended period of time in 2024 due to a broken arm.
The Detroit Lions have taken great delight in their ability to master the art of a sound defence in the NFL, a skill that is exceedingly challenging to acquire. This has been a priority for the team since Dan Campbell assumed the role of head coach in 2021. From their pass rush to their secondary work, Detroit’s “biting kneecaps” mentality has been applied to all positions on defence.
One of the Lions’ most exceptional off-ball defenders is linebacker Alex Anzalone, who will be a free agent in 2026. Regrettably, he was unable to demonstrate his tackling and pressure in the open field for a significant portion of 2024 due to a broken arm. However, he will be back in 2025 to assist the Lions’ defence in achieving even greater health. Aidan Hutchinson will also be returning this season to replicate this performance.
Anzalone’s capabilities are significantly underestimated, as are numerous off-ball linebackers in the league. Joel Corry, a sports agent, detailed in a CBS Sports article that it is challenging to secure payment for them. Corry explained that off-ball linebackers have only experienced a general salary increase of 16 percent, despite a salary cap increase of 40 percent over the past five years.
If the Lions and Anzalone are unable to reach a deal by the time he becomes a free agent after this season, it could spell trouble for both parties. This is particularly true if Anzalone has a stellar 2025 season and commands a higher salary than the current market standard for off-ball linebackers.
The new Anzalone contract is complicated by the analyst’s perspective on the salaries of off-ball linebackers.
Kwon Alexander signed a four-year, $54 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2019, which was the last time the linebacker market was reset, according to Corry’s article. Subsequently, Bobby Wagner, Shaq Leonard, and C.J. Mosley received substantial compensation.
Roquan Smith and Fred Warner are the most recent highly-paid linebackers to contribute to the resetting of that market. However, their salaries are only shifting the market by a few percentage points.
Continue reading: Lions are not (yet) concerned about Alex Anzalone’s absence from offseason training.
The Lions are unlikely to extend a substantial offer to Anzalone, as they are also required to retain Hutchinson in 2027 and left tackle Dan Skipper in 2026. As of now, in 2026, edge rushers like T.J. Watt, Trey Hendrickson, and Micah Parsons are all also scheduled to become free agents next season, and all three would command a major payday from Detroit – which also puts Anzalone on the outside looking in.
Another Lions linebacker impacted by this stagnant market is Jack Campbell, who Corry explains can at least be worked with by exercising his fifth-year option.
Jack Campbell is an additional off-ball linebacker that warrants attention. In 2024, the 2023 first-round selection made astounding progress. Campbell may be on the brink of a substantial windfall if he takes another significant stride this season. The Detroit Lions will make their initial significant decision regarding Campbell during the upcoming offseason, when they exercise his fifth-year option. Campbell’s likelihood of breaking the bank in Detroit will decrease if he is denied the fifth year in 2027. Campbell’s fifth-year option should be in the $16 million range unless he is selected for the Pro Bowl on the original ballot this upcoming season.
Joe Corry, CBS Sports
The Lions have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to their athletes, so it is feasible that Anzalone can negotiate an extension of his tenure beyond this season. Nevertheless, it is probable that he is not receiving the compensation he is entitled to.
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