With NFL free agency only weeks away, Detroit Lions fans are wondering what will happen with veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone. Anzalone has played an integral role in this defense for the last five seasons in the Motor City, but is set to become a free agent next month.
The veteran defender had hoped to secure a new deal last summer, but that never materialized. Fast forward to the end of the 2025 season, and it seems as if Anzalone could be on his way out the door, as he’s already being linked to the New York Jets.
If that’s the case, the Lions will need to look elsewhere to fill Anzalone’s void, which won’t be easy to do, as he can do a little bit of everything on the field. Detroit could look towards the draft to take Anzalone’s spot, which would be the most cost-effective way to do so.Â
However, the Lions could also hope for Indianapolis Colts All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin to become available, who would be an adequate addition to the linebacker unit in 2026.
Zaire Franklin Could Become Alex Anzalone's Eventual Replacement
Franklin is considered a potential cut candidate for the Colts, who need as much cap space as possible to bring back QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce in free agency. If the Colts were to part ways with the veteran LB, they would get $5.8 million in cap savings, per Over The Cap.
Franklin, who will be turning 30 years old this summer, has been a tackling machine during his time in Indianapolis.
The veteran defender has had four-straight seasons with 100 or more tackles since becoming a full-time starter in 2022. This past season, Franklin had 125 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, five pass deflections, two sacks, and a forced fumble.
Regarding his coverage skills, opposing QBs completed 74.2% of their passes against Franklin, who gave up a career-high three touchdowns and a 111.5 passer rating when targeted. Teams took advantage of Franklin’s struggles in pass coverage and exploited them.
Pro Football Focus paints a similar picture, as Franklin had a disastrous overall defensive grade of 38.4. He left much to be desired in run coverage (54.9 grade), and his pass coverage grade was 29.9.
Based on those grades and his overall play, it wouldn’t be shocking for the Colts to move on despite his leadership skills.
That would work in the Lions’ favor, even though Franklin would be considered a downgrade in some aspects compared to Anzalone. According to PFF, Anzalone had a 65.6 run defense and a 65.3 pass coverage grade.
However, if the Lions can plug in Franklin and have him playing next to Jack Campbell, who is a stud at middle linebacker, maybe he can revert to his 2024 form.Â
During that season, Franklin was named to the Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro. He had 173 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six pass deflections, five forced fumbles, four quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Not only was Franklin a tackling machine, but he also created turnovers.
As we get closer to free agency, it will be interesting to see what the Lions do at LB. There’s a lot of emphasis on the defensive line and offensive line, but LB and the cornerback will also be under the microscope this offseason.