Anzalone yearns for retirement with Lions, but negotiates "disappointing" contract

Alex Anzalone Expresses Desire to Stay in Detroit, but Shows Contractual Discontent

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone has expressed his desire to finish his professional career in Detroit. However, the player has expressed his “disappointment” with how contract negotiations have transpired during this preseason. Despite dealing with a hamstring injury that has prevented him from participating in practices, Anzalone was seen at the Meijer Performance Center, observing from the sidelines during the third day of training camp.

“I am disappointed, I will simply say that. I am disappointed,” Anzalone stated on Tuesday, referring to his contract negotiations.
Alex Anzalone

Anzalone, 30, has expressed his interest in reaching a new agreement for some time, as he is in the final year of his current three-year, $18.75 million contract, signed in 2023. Although he does not anticipate missing any regular season games due to these concerns, he considers the situation unusual given his tenure with the team over the last four seasons, where he has been a key piece in the team’s rebuilding.

“It’s a strange situation and it wasn’t on my part or my agent’s,” Anzalone stated when speaking to reporters for the first time.
Alex AnzaloneAnzalone preferred not to go into details about the ongoing conversations, but he does feel that he is underpaid compared to other linebackers in the NFL. In 2024, he participated in all 10 games, recording 63 tackles, the fourth-most on the team, with seven for a loss of yards.
“I want to retire like a Lion. I want that opportunity. That’s how I feel,” commented Anzalone.
Alex Anzalone
Lions head coach Dan Campbell stated on Sunday that he doesn’t believe Anzalone’s absence from practices is part of a “holdout” strategy due to contractual issues. There is a possibility that Anzalone will return to training camp without a new deal, but his intentions are clear: to help Detroit win a Super Bowl.
“I’ve invested a lot of time here, I’ve been captain four times, my teammates, the city, and just living here. I could list all the reasons, but it’s important to me. I feel like I love this place and I want that opportunity,” he added.
Alex Anzalone
Lions All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph is a big admirer of Anzalone and his role in the defense, and supports “whatever he feels he needs to do and that’s it.”