With NFL free agency on the horizon, Detroit Lions fans are sitting back and wondering what will happen with veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone.
The 31-year-old Anzalone is scheduled to become a free agent in March after spending the last five years in the Motor City. Heading into this past season, Anzalone wasn’t exactly pleased with his contract status, as he wanted a new deal.
That never happened, as the Lions’ brass opted to give him an additional $250K towards his $6 million salary, along with incentives. Despite those things from Detroit, it appears that Anzalone could be on his way out, as he’s already been linked to the New York Jets.
On Sunday, Anzalone didn’t quell the concerns about him leaving the squad as he took offense to a tweet posted by the Lions' social media account.
The post was about Valentine’s Day, saying not all breakups are bad and featuring a video montage of pass breakups that Detroit’s defense had this past season. The veteran defender responded to said tweet with, “Had a career high (9 PDs) and not 1 made it. And other free agents were on the vid too…”
However, he has since deleted that response from his page. His most recent tweet states, "Some of you guys take my x a lil too serious… love yall tho lol"
Alex Anzalone Not Pleased with Lions After Social Media Post
Things were already on bad terms with the veteran linebacker and the Lions from last summer, so thinking things could get better was a long shot without a new deal. These very public frustrations being put on display show how the vet still isn't happy with Brad Holmes.
At the same time, seeing Anzalone get bent out of shape regarding a tweet from the team’s Twitter account does not look good. It makes him look petty, which might not make prospective fits for him enthused about signing a player who seems to carry grudges and will quickly turn on any franchise that signs him.
The 31-year-old defender had a strong 2025 campaign with the Lions after playing in 10 games in 2024 because of injury; he recorded had 95 combined tackles, 11 QB pressures, nine pass deflections, six quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and an interception.
Anzalone also held his own in coverage, possessing a 58.2 completion percentage allowed on targets, a 78.6 pass rating allowed when targeted, and only giving up two touchdowns. This puts him into position to cash in this offseason after Detroit wasn't willing to commit to him during their preseason drama.
At this point, it's near-impossible to see Detroit bringing Anzalone back. The Lions are already projected $10.3 million over the salary cap, per Over The Cap, and they’ll need to upgrade their pass rush while also re-signing some of their key free agents.
This, coupled with Anzalone having one foot out the door and now a sour attitude to boot, means he's likely headed elsewhere for 2026.