How the Lions would look in 2025 without Alex Anzalone

The long blonde hair has been the staple of the middle of the Lions' defense since Dan Campbell took over as the head coach in 2021.

Anzalone's defensive efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Lions' defensive DVOA numbers have gone from the top of the league with him in the lineup to the bottom when he misses time. Simply put, the Lions will be in trouble if Anzalone doesn't suit up in 2025.

While it's unlikely a guy like Anzalone chooses to sit out the entirety of 2025 due to contract disputes, it is enough of a story to wonder what the Lions will look like if he isn't in the Honolulu Blue this season.

How the linebacker room reschuffles without Anzalone

Luckily, the Lions' best linebacker on paper last season was Jack Campbell. Campbell was one of the best linebackers in football last season in terms of PFF grade, and he was forced to play much of the season without Alex Anzalone.

Campbell would still man the middle in Anzalone's absence, but who will play alongside him is the question. The easy answer would be Malcolm Rodriguez, but unfortunately, due to his ACL injury in 2024, he will likely not be available to start the season.

This leaves four options for the Lions. The first would be Derrick Barnes. He plays the SAM role for the Lions, meaning he plays both on and off the ball, so he could slide in Anzalone's spot if needed, but I expect him to continue to play his role at SAM coming off his injury.

Option number two is Trevor Nowaske. Trevor Nowaske was claimed off waivers by the Lions last season and played plenty of snaps due to injuries. Nowaske had good and bad moments for the Lions last season, but he is nowhere near the caliber of player that the Lions need at linebacker.

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The third option is the newly signed Zach Cunningham, whom the Lions signed at the start of the Anzalone contract dispute. Cunningham has spent most of his career in Houston, where he led the NFL in tackles in 2020. Cunningham has had plenty of injuries, but if healthy, he can be a good option.

The final option would be signing another free agent to take Anzalone's place. C.J. Mosley is a player who could fit into that Anzalone role, and he is still available on the free agent market. Unfortunately, after signing Cunningham, I doubt the Lions will sign someone else.

Overall, if I had to make a prediction, I would say the Lions roll with what they have at linebacker. Holmes and Campbell are not known for going out and filling holes on the roster, but instead playing by committee with the current roster.

Hopefully, none of this matters and Anzalone plays all 17 games for the Lions in 2025, but with any contract dispute, you have to wonder what the future holds.