Analyst Believes Lions Alex Anzalone is Holding In Due to Contract

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone has yet to practice through three days of training camp.

Lions coach Dan Campbell said that Anzalone performed well on his conditioning test and refuses to believe that the linebacker is holding in. The fifth-year coach stated that his defensive captain has been sidelined with a hamstring injury to this point in camp.

Speaking to reporters for the first time in camp, Anzalone explained that he does feel underpaid relative to NFL linebackers, citing the market and his production relative to others in the league.

Additionally, he desires the opportunity to retire as a member of the Lions' organization.

"I want to retire a Lion," Anzalone said. "I want that opportunity. That's how I feel."

The former Florida Gator also explained why he elected to report to camp rather than hold out away from the facility. He said he has been dealing with a hamstring injury, and is uncertain whether he will return to the field without a new contract.

"It's all relative, right? As far as financial situations," Anzalone explained. "I'm in a situation where I thought about it and it's for my own personal goals and what I want for the team. I just didn't think (not reporting) was the best scenario."

Anzalone emphasized that he did not anticipate this situation lasting into training camp, and referred to head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes when asked about the overall status of his contract.

"This is a weird situation," Anzalone explained. "It wasn't on my end."

ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio wasn't sold that Anzalone's absence isn't related to his contract. The veteran is entering the last year of his current contract, and has made several social media posts alluding to his desire for a new deal with the team.

During a recent video, Florio explained that Anzalone was executing what the analyst has dubbed an "old-school hold in."

"It’s not the conscious, deliberate, ‘Hey I’m showing up, but team you get this right. I’m not gonna practice, you’re not gonna make me practice. We’re gonna work on the contract, I’ll go to meetings. I’m in the building, let’s just be friends while we work out the business side of things,’" Florio said. "The old-school hold-in is, ‘Oh, I’ve got a hamstring injury, oh, I’ve got an arm injury, oh I’ve got a concussion, oh, my ankle hurts.’ Something subjective that allows the player to protect himself and not practice while he waits for his financial reward."