Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone has been considered a holdout from training camp thus far, but a hamstring injury that came after a conditioning test is actually to blame for his inability to suit up on the field ahead of the Lions' first preseason game on July 31st.
Anzalone, who is seeking a new deal with the Lions before he becomes a free agent in 2026, has finally spoken up to reporters during camp about how he's feeling regarding the Lions' front office not yet negotiating an extension with him ahead of the 2025 season.
“It’s kind of like you mentioned, I put so much into my time here and being a four-time captain and a teammate and the city,. You can list all the reasons. It’s just important to me. I love this place. I want that opportunity," said Anzalone to reporters according to MLive reporter Benjamin Raven.
Anzalone even sweetened his comments by adding "I want to retire a Lion. I want that opportunity. That’s how I feel. I’m disappointed. Let’s just say that. Disappointed.”
According to Anzalone, he informed GM Brad Holmes that he was seeking a deal "a while ago," indicating that this back and forth between the linebacker and the front office has been going on for quite some time before things became public. While Detroit is obviously a defensively formidable team, they're even moreso unstoppable with Anzalone on the field.
He's a part of a linebacker unit considered to be one of the best in the NFL, with Anzalone also finishing out his 2024 season with 10 pressures and an overall PFF grade of 67.8.
Anzalone isn't the only player Detroit needs to figure out a way to pay. Jameson Williams is seeking an extension, as well, but his situation is less dire - he will be a free agent in 2027. However, the Lions' dilemma is that they've got a ton of young players to try to keep on the squad around then, since many of the teams' best pieces were drafted using picks received in the Jared Goff deal.
As a result, Anzalone is likely getting faced with low ball offers to remain with the team as they look to remain flexible ahead of those several negotiations. Players like Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Amon-Ra St. Brown are all going to be deserving of pay days, as well. Anzalone is just anticipating his to come a bit sooner.
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