A Steadfast Anchor in the Roaring Renaissance: Why the Detroit Lions Must Extend Alex Anzalone

In the competitive landscape of the NFL, where youth and potential often overshadow veteran stability, the Detroit Lions find themselves at a pivotal juncture with linebacker Alex Anzalone. As he enters the final year of his current three-year, $18 million deal, the discussion around extending Anzalone isn’t merely about retaining a productive player; it’s about preserving a foundational piece of a rapidly ascending franchise. Anzalone, at 30 years old, has become more than just a defensive leader; he embodies the grit, resilience, and evolving culture that has defined the Lions’ remarkable turnaround under General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell. His continued presence is not just beneficial, but arguably essential for the Lions to sustain their trajectory as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Anzalone’s on-field production, particularly in recent seasons, makes a compelling case for an extension. Since joining the Lions in 2021, he has consistently been one of the team’s leading tacklers, recording over 100 tackles in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In 2023, he tallied a career-high 129 combined tackles, along with 3 sacks and 6 pass deflections, showcasing his versatility as a three-down linebacker. He’s also compiled 22 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks during his four seasons in Detroit. This consistent output, even as he approaches his early thirties, demonstrates his ability to perform at a high level. While some may point to his age as a reason for caution, his recent statistical output suggests he is defying the typical decline curve often associated with linebackers in their late twenties and early thirties. Furthermore, his PFF coverage grade of 72.1 in 2024 (and 73.7 in 2023) ranked him 17th among 189 linebackers, underscoring his unique ability to excel in coverage, a skill set increasingly vital in the modern NFL. This is a rare commodity at the linebacker position, and Anzalone himself has publicly acknowledged that “no other LB asked to do what I do,” highlighting the extensive responsibilities he shoulders in the Lions’ defensive scheme.

Beyond the raw statistics, Anzalone’s true value to the Detroit Lions lies in his profound impact as a leader and a cultural architect. He was one of the first acquisitions under the Holmes-Campbell regime in 2021, a calculated move to bring in players who embodied the toughness, accountability, and team-first mentality they sought to instill. Anzalone has since become a multi-year captain, a testament to the respect and trust he commands from both his teammates and the coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who was Anzalone’s position coach for four years, has publicly expressed “zero concern” about Anzalone’s occasional absence from voluntary workouts, emphasizing the linebacker’s integral role in building the team’s culture. “That player is a leader here and he’s been a leader here, he’s been an intricate piece in building the culture that’s here and I’m going to pay the respect that he’s earned and that he’s due,” Sheppard stated, underscoring the deep appreciation for Anzalone’s off-field contributions. This sentiment resonates throughout the organization, from Jared Goff’s comments about Anzalone’s leadership to the team’s willingness to allow him to manage his offseason on his terms.

The Lions experienced firsthand the void left by Anzalone’s absence when he missed six games in late 2023 with a broken forearm. The defense struggled, visibly lacking the intensity, communication, and direction that Anzalone consistently provides. His return for the regular season finale and subsequent playoff run was a catalyst, as the defense noticeably improved. This tangible impact underscores the argument that his value extends far beyond individual tackles; he is the heartbeat of the defense, the on-field coordinator who consistently puts his teammates in the right positions. In a league where continuity on defense is often overlooked, Anzalone provides a crucial sense of stability and institutional knowledge, particularly as the team transitions to a new defensive coordinator in Kelvin Sheppard, who previously served as the linebackers coach. This familiarity with the defensive system and the new coordinator’s philosophy will be invaluable in maintaining defensive cohesion.

While the Lions have made significant investments in extending core players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, and Jared Goff, and have promising young linebackers like Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes, Anzalone’s presence remains distinct. Campbell and Barnes are developing rapidly and have shown tremendous promise, but Anzalone offers a veteran presence and nuanced understanding of defensive schemes that cannot be replicated overnight. He is a mentor to these younger players, guiding them through the intricacies of NFL defenses and the demands of leadership. This mentorship is critical for the long-term success of the linebacker corps and the defense as a whole. Allowing Anzalone to walk would create a leadership vacuum that would be difficult to fill, even with talented emerging players.

The financial implications of an extension, while significant, should not be an insurmountable hurdle for the Lions. Anzalone’s current deal pays him an average of $6.1 million annually. Given his consistent production and undeniable leadership, he has outplayed that contract and is a candidate for a raise. However, the Lions have demonstrated a clear philosophy of rewarding their own core players while also managing the salary cap effectively. General Manager Brad Holmes has navigated complex contract situations with other key players, finding ways to retain talent without jeopardizing future flexibility. It’s a challenging balancing act, especially with rising stars like Aidan Hutchinson and Jahmyr Gibbs eventually due for extensions, and Jack Campbell becoming eligible next year. However, the precedent has been set: the Lions prioritize retaining the players who have been instrumental in building their winning culture. Anzalone, as a cornerstone of that culture, fits this philosophy perfectly.

Furthermore, the optics of letting Anzalone leave would be detrimental to the team’s carefully cultivated image. The Lions have prided themselves on being a player-friendly organization, a place where hard work and dedication are rewarded. Parting ways with a respected, productive, and beloved veteran like Anzalone, especially after he played a crucial role in their recent success, would contradict this narrative. It could send a message that loyalty is not paramount, potentially impacting future free agent acquisitions and the morale of current players.

In conclusion, extending Alex Anzalone is a strategic imperative for the Detroit Lions. His consistent on-field production, elite coverage skills for a linebacker, and unparalleled leadership make him an indispensable asset. He is more than just a player; he is a living embodiment of the “grit” and “culture” that Dan Campbell has preached and built. While age and salary cap considerations are valid concerns, the undeniable impact Anzalone has on the defense, both tangibly and intangibly, far outweighs these factors. The Lions have invested heavily in their core, and Anzalone is undeniably a vital part of that core. By securing his future in Detroit, the Lions reinforce their commitment to their winning philosophy and ensure that a steadfast anchor remains firmly in place as their roaring renaissance continues its ascent.