The Detroit Lions’ salary cap faces a major hit from the existing contract extensions of Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, David Montgomery, and Alim McNeill. Those extensions limit the Lions’ current options, but Brad Holmes must re-sign elite veteran Alex Anzalone or risk losing him in free agency.
Why The Lions Can’t Delay Re-Signing Elite Veteran to Contract
When the Lions negotiated the contract extensions of elite foundational talents Goff, St. Brown, and Sewell, a significant amount of the money owed was put off until 2026. But, it’s time to pay the piper. Multiple player contracts expire in 2025, and that additional cap hit could delay other Lions’ extensions. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond, cornerback Amir Robertson, and kicker Jake Bates are among the players whose contracts expire this year.
One veteran talent the Lions can’t afford to lose is Alex Anzalone. A native of Wyomissing, PA, Anzalone played college football at the University of Florida. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 draft, Anzalone made quite the impression on Dan Campbell, the assistant head coach. So much so that four years later, when Campbell was hired as the new head coach of the Detroit Lions, he convinced Anzalone to join him in Detroit.
Initially signed to a one-year contract in March 2021, Anzalone began making his presence felt as a starting linebacker. In his first two years with the Lions, he recorded 203 tackles (126 solo), 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, defended 13 passes, and one fumble recovery.
Anzalone’s Accomplishments With The Detroit Lions
In March 2023, the Lions signed Anzalone to a three-year, $18.75 million contract. That contract ends this season. However, Anzalone is an irreplaceable leader for the Lions’ defense. Detroit can’t afford to lose him to a competing team in free agency.
During his career in the Motor City, Anzalone recorded 254 tackles (201 solo), 6.5 sacks, 24 pass defenses, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. He became only the fourth player in Detroit franchise history to record two back-to-back seasons with 125-plus tackles. Anzalone had a career-best season in 2023 with 129 tackles (71 solo), 3.0 sacks, six pass defenses, and a fumble recovery. He holds the longest streak in Detroit’s franchise history, with five or more tackles in 30 straight games (Week 1, 2022 to Week 13, 2023).
A nine-year veteran of the NFL and 31 years old, Anzalone isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Before his 2024 season was prematurely cut short, Anzalone was on pace to match (or exceed) his 2023 season totals. Even though the elite veteran only appeared in 10 games for the Lions, Anzalone’s tackles and pass defenses were on par with his 2023 stats.
Where Anzalone Stands Among NFL Leaders
One of the premier linebackers in the NFL, Anzalone had the fourth-most pass defenses (19) among all linebackers. Similarly, PFF ranked him fifth with 21 total pressures generated in 2022. That year, Anzalone was one of only two NFL players to record at least 125 tackles, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in the same year.
Anzalone’s Contribution To The Lions
The heart and soul of the defense, Anzalone’s contribution to the Lions can’t be overstated. His value to the team far exceeds his stellar playmaking ability. He is a consummate teammate who is the quarterback for the defense. Anzalone’s role in communicating play calls to the field is essential. His leadership and communication skills are crucial in the locker room. Anzalone’s passionate demeanor sets an example for younger players who regard him as a mentor. He’s the type of player who elevates the play of all those around him simply by his presence on the field.
Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings was Anzalone’s first game after fracturing his forearm in Week 11. He was all over the field that night, registering seven tackles, a quarterback hit, and a pass defense. But his presence elevated the entire group’s performance. They completely decimated the Vikings’ offense. Twice, the Vikings attempted to convert inside the red zone on 4th down, and both times, the team came away empty-handed.
Amik Robertson’s sensational coverage of Justin Jefferson held one of the league’s top receivers to just three receptions for 54 yards. Za’Darius Smith hit Darnold with a sack early in the game, extracting a little payback on his former team. Al-Quadin Muhammad’s huge late-game sack on Darnold forced the team to punt. Anzalone’s energy was contagious, and the entire defense played better because of him.
Anzalones’ Veteran Contract
The cap hit for Anzalone’s contract in 2025 is $7,258,823 with $6,100,000 due in cash. Although his contract is only valid through the 2025 season, it includes a void year payment in 2026 of $1,200,000. This money directly impacts the Lions’ salary cap, regardless of whether Anzalone is with the team. If the Lions and Anzalone part ways, this money will be absorbed as “dead money” and will hit the team’s salary cap, making it more difficult to sign or retain other players.
While the $1.2 million affects the team financially, that isn’t the reason why the team must retain Anzalone. When you have a supremely talented, committed veteran like Anzalone, who means so much to the Lions and the city, he should have the honor of finishing his career in Detroit. The team can’t afford to lose him to the competition.
