The Detroit Lions have put away the disappointment of how the 2024 season ended and are now looking forward to the 2025 season. With the fifth-best odds (+1000) to win the Super Bowl according to DraftKings Sportsbook, there’s plenty of reason for optimism as Detroit gathered for OTAs over the past couple of weeks.
The vibes have been great so far, ranging from possible breakouts to emerging rookies. But while things are gravy on the field, they may not be so cushy off of it, painting one key Lions defender in a negative light as next season draws closer.
Alex Anzalone’s Contract Drama is Overshadowing Lions’ Good Vibes at OTAs
While most of the Lions have shown up for OTA workouts, linebacker Alex Anzalone has been notably absent. The 31-year-old is entering the final year of a three-year, $18.75 million contract signed before the 2023 season and has become a leader of the Detroit defense with 395 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and a pair of interceptions over four seasons with the Lions.
Veterans hold out of OTA workouts all the time because they are voluntary. Ndumukong Suh made skipping them an annual tradition before showing up to mandatory minicamp in – you guessed it – the best shape of his life – but Anzalone’s absence hits a little different.
For starters, the Lions do not have a mandatory minicamp this year as they’re starting training camp a week earlier than usual due to their involvement in the annual Hall of Fame Game. While Anzalone could just get the extra week of training in when camp begins, OTAs are the only chance that Campbell has to get his team on the field.
The Lions are also in a stage of transition. While Ben Johnson has been doing his best to become Public Enemy No. 1 in Detroit after leaving for the Chicago Bears, the defense is under new leadership too, as Kelvin Sheppard replaces former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Sheppard has been the Lions’ linebacker coach dating back to 2021, so Anzalone is familiar with his leadership. But any new wrinkle may have to wait until Anzalone is back on the field.
Of course, Anzalone has a leg to stand on in contract negotiations. As he goes deeper into his 30s, he may realize that this may be his final chance to get a new deal. The Lions also invested heavily in linebacker Derek Barnes this offseason, and Anzalone probably wants to make sure he’s along for the ride with a long-term commitment.
Then again, the Lions also have to keep money aside for long-term contract extensions for edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and potentially wide receiver Jameson Williams in the next few years. With Detroit already $54.3 million over the salary cap for 2026, it may be hard to find the money to extend Anzalone, which may have been why he made a cryptic post on his Instagram account.
For what it’s worth, Dan Campbell said he wasn’t concerned with Anzalone’s absence when speaking to reporters earlier this week. But he said the same thing about veteran center Frank Ragnow, who announced his retirement on Tuesday. The business side of football is one that often paints both sides in a negative light, but with the Lions so close, it stings not to have a veteran leader present for camp.
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