Alex Anzalone’s Contract Year in 2025: Why the Detroit Lions Should Secure the Veteran Linebacker for the Future
Alex Anzalone, the Detroit Lions’ starting linebacker, finds himself in the final year of his contract in 2025. As a key contributor to the team’s defense, Anzalone has shown remarkable leadership, consistency, and growth since his arrival in Detroit. Given his crucial role on the field and the defense’s improvement over the past few seasons, the Lions would be wise to secure Anzalone for the long-term future. This article explores why the Lions should prioritize re-signing the veteran linebacker and the benefits of keeping him around for years to come.
Anzalone’s journey to the NFL began as a promising player at the University of Florida, where his blend of athleticism, leadership, and football IQ caught the attention of scouts. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Anzalone’s career began with a mixture of potential and injury struggles. Despite some setbacks, he quickly demonstrated his worth as a versatile linebacker who could cover a variety of roles. However, after four seasons in New Orleans, Anzalone’s time with the Saints came to an end, leading him to the Detroit Lions in 2021.
In Detroit, Anzalone has found a home, and his impact on the Lions’ defense has been evident. The team’s defense had been a point of concern in previous seasons, but Anzalone’s arrival marked the beginning of a defensive resurgence. His leadership and experience have been invaluable to a relatively young Lions team, providing stability and guidance both on and off the field. In 2023, Anzalone had one of his best seasons, finishing with 120 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions, showcasing his ability to be effective in various facets of the game.
What makes Anzalone such an integral piece of the Lions’ defense is not just his individual production but his ability to elevate those around him. He plays with a high football IQ, making adjustments on the fly, reading plays, and positioning himself to make tackles. His versatility allows him to play all three linebacker positions, giving defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn the flexibility to use him in multiple schemes. Additionally, Anzalone’s leadership in the locker room cannot be overstated. As a seasoned player, he is often seen mentoring younger teammates, including rookies and second-year players, helping to develop the next generation of Lions defenders.
For the Detroit Lions, keeping Anzalone beyond 2025 is a no-brainer for several reasons. First, his consistency and durability have been major assets. Despite some early injury concerns in his career, Anzalone has proven to be a durable player for the Lions, playing in all 17 games in both 2022 and 2023. His ability to stay healthy while maintaining a high level of play is crucial for a team looking to build a sustainable defense. In an era where injuries have become a significant factor in a team’s success, having a dependable linebacker like Anzalone is a luxury that should not be taken for granted.
Second, Anzalone’s impact on the team’s culture is significant. The Lions have undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few seasons, evolving from a struggling franchise to a playoff contender. A large part of that change has come from the leadership and attitude instilled by players like Anzalone. His professional demeanor and work ethic have set a standard for younger players to follow, and his presence in the locker room provides a stabilizing force for the team as a whole. In a sport that thrives on team cohesion, Anzalone’s ability to lead by example is invaluable.
Moreover, Anzalone’s chemistry with his defensive teammates cannot be overlooked. Linebackers are often the quarterbacks of a defense, and Anzalone’s ability to communicate with the rest of the defensive unit is crucial to the team’s success. Whether it’s adjusting the defensive line, calling audibles, or directing players on pass coverage, Anzalone’s experience and leadership help create a cohesive and well-organized defense. The synergy between Anzalone and his fellow linebackers, such as Malcolm Rodriguez, has been evident in the Lions’ defensive schemes, making the entire unit more effective.
Another important factor in retaining Anzalone is the current state of the Lions’ linebacker corps. While the team has made progress in developing young talent, such as Rodriguez and others, Anzalone’s experience is invaluable. As the Lions continue to build their defense around young players, keeping a veteran like Anzalone provides stability and mentorship to help those young players grow. A strong, experienced linebacker can provide guidance in terms of technique, film study, and understanding of opposing offenses, which is vital for developing younger players in a competitive environment.
As the 2025 season progresses, the Lions’ front office must consider the long-term implications of re-signing Anzalone. The team is positioned for sustained success, with an offense led by quarterback Jared Goff and an improved defense that is already one of the league’s most promising units. The Lions’ coaching staff, led by head coach Dan Campbell, has instilled a winning mentality, and retaining key veterans like Anzalone ensures that the team’s leadership and competitive edge remain intact.
Financially, the Lions will need to balance Anzalone’s value with the overall salary cap. However, with the team in a relatively strong financial position, re-signing Anzalone should be a priority. Given the cap flexibility and the relatively moderate price tag of a linebacker of Anzalone’s caliber, the Lions should be able to find a deal that benefits both parties. Anzalone’s leadership and experience are worth their weight in gold, especially for a team looking to build a championship-contending defense.
In terms of on-field production, Anzalone is a versatile player who can contribute in multiple areas. He is equally adept at stopping the run as he is in pass coverage, showcasing his well-rounded skill set. His ability to rush the passer is another dimension to his game that makes him a valuable asset. Anzalone’s commitment to improving year after year has kept him relevant and effective, and his ability to continue evolving as a player makes him a good investment for the future.
The Detroit Lions are at a crossroads in their franchise’s history, and securing Anzalone for the long term would be a step toward building a sustainable winner. The linebacker has proven his worth on the field and in the locker room, and his leadership and consistency have played a significant role in the team’s defensive success. If the Lions want to ensure continued success, they must make it a priority to keep Anzalone in Detroit beyond 2025. His ability to contribute both on and off the field, coupled with his importance to the defense’s culture, makes him an essential piece for the team’s future.
In conclusion, the Detroit Lions should do everything in their power to re-sign Alex Anzalone before the 2025 season comes to an end. His leadership, reliability, and ability to elevate the defense make him a cornerstone of the team’s success. As the Lions look to the future and their potential championship window, keeping Anzalone around would be a wise investment that would pay dividends for years to come.
