Camp Notebook: Lions Don't Plan to Play Top Picks in Preseason Opener

Branch has high expectations for secondary

The Lions' defense was battered by injuries all throughout last year. One area that did remain relatively healthy was the secondary, with Brian Branch playing in all but one game and Kerby Joseph suiting up in every game.

Detroit made one big move in the defensive backfield this offseason, replacing Carlton Davis with D.J. Reed. While the secondary's confidence was always high last year, the group has even higher expectations for their performance this year.

"We believed that we were the best secondary last year with all the injuries," Branch said. "We always had, whoever's in, it's us against the world. I feel like, this year, our chemistry is at a whole other level. That alone is scary, and we've just got to keep on going."

No momentum towards Anzalone extension

Alex Anzalone has returned to practice even without a new contract, having surpassed the hamstring injury that bothered him at the start of camp.

On Monday, NFL Network reported that there is not momentum in contract talks regarding a potential new contract. As a result, there's potential that the multi-year team captain winds up hitting free agency at the conclusion of the 2025 season.

“I’m gonna say no, I haven’t sensed any momentum in that direction. He’s scheduled to be a free agent after this season," said Mike Garafolo. "He’s at a point in his career where, and you’ve seen at the linebacker position, you can be productive past 30 (years old). I still think this guy’s got good football left. And if he hits the free agent market which I would say at this point, it’s hard to predict these things now, but I would say that’s where this one is headed.

"He will play out his last year in Detroit and certainly be all-in and be a big part of what they do defensively. I think he’ll have a lot of interest this upcoming offseason for sure if that winds up being the case. In a contract year, you want to be productive and you want to put that on tape.”