Detroit Lions Maintain Full Confidence in Alex Anzalone Despite Offseason Absence, Cite ‘Zero Concern’ Over Contract-Related Situation

The Detroit Lions have made it abundantly clear this offseason that they are focused on building continuity, chemistry, and confidence. As a team with deep playoff aspirations and a young, exciting core, distractions and drama are not welcome in Dan Campbell’s locker room. So when veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone was absent from some offseason workouts amid contract discussions, the natural question arose: Should fans be concerned?

The answer, straight from Allen Park, is a resounding “no.”

Sources close to the situation and several Lions officials have stated that there is “zero concern” about Anzalone’s current status. Internally, the team views his absence as a non-issue, a routine part of offseason business for a well-respected veteran navigating his value in a competitive NFL landscape. Unlike contract holdouts that can spark controversy or signal rifts within a team, this situation feels markedly different. Anzalone is not disgruntled, the team is not disappointed, and both sides appear aligned in mutual respect.

Anzalone, a vocal leader in the Lions’ locker room and a cornerstone of their defensive transformation, has been one of Dan Campbell’s most trusted players since arriving in Detroit. A fellow former Saint, Anzalone was one of Campbell’s first signings when he took the helm in 2021, and the two have shared a player-coach bond that transcends typical NFL relationships. That connection, paired with Anzalone’s production on the field and leadership off it, means his absence is not being viewed as anything more than a pause before resuming regular duties.

It helps that Anzalone is coming off arguably his best season in the NFL. In 2023, he posted 129 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and seven pass deflections, anchoring a defensive unit that showed massive improvement over the course of the year. He played through injuries, took on multiple roles, and emerged as a voice of stability on a defense that had previously struggled to find its identity.

Perhaps more importantly, he’s also been instrumental in mentoring the Lions’ younger linebackers, including 2023 first-round pick Jack Campbell, who is widely expected to take another leap forward in 2025. Anzalone’s presence has provided a bridge between the coaching staff and younger players—he’s fluent in both Campbell’s defensive vision and the gritty mentality that has defined Detroit’s resurgence.

Despite his absence from recent voluntary workouts, Anzalone has remained in communication with coaches and teammates, according to multiple sources. He is reportedly staying in peak physical condition, and there’s a widespread expectation that he’ll be on the field once mandatory minicamps and training camp arrive. While the specifics of his contract concerns have not been made public, league insiders believe the situation is manageable and far from contentious.

In fact, Detroit’s relaxed posture in handling the situation may say more about the culture they’ve built than about any specifics with Anzalone. The Lions under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have prioritized transparency, loyalty, and maturity. Veteran players are given space and respect, and younger players are expected to earn their place through performance and consistency. That blend has created a locker room where trust is abundant and distractions are minimal.

The trust in Anzalone is earned. Entering his eighth NFL season, the 29-year-old has redefined his career in Detroit. Once considered an injury-prone linebacker in New Orleans, Anzalone has played 17 games in each of the past two seasons for the Lions, showing durability and leadership that were less evident earlier in his career. His knowledge of the defensive system, ability to communicate pre-snap adjustments, and knack for being in the right place at the right time have made him indispensable—even if his name doesn’t always grab headlines.

It’s that type of player—unflashy but vital—that good teams rely on to make deep playoff runs. And in Detroit, the Lions believe they’re on the verge of exactly that. Last season’s NFC Championship Game appearance was no fluke. With a returning core that includes Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, and an ever-improving secondary, Detroit believes it has the roster—and the culture—to win now.

That belief extends to the linebacker room, where Anzalone remains a centerpiece. While Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes continue to develop, Anzalone is the glue that holds the group together, setting the tone in meetings and on the field. Losing him, even temporarily, would create a noticeable void—not just in production, but in leadership.

But that’s not something the Lions are bracing for. If anything, they expect Anzalone’s return to be a continuation of the same energy and commitment he’s shown every year in Detroit. Even amid negotiations or potential tweaks to his current deal, there’s no sense that a holdout is imminent or that the relationship between player and team has deteriorated.

Anzalone’s absence from voluntary workouts is just that—voluntary. And as many NFL veterans will attest, those sessions are often viewed as opportunities for younger players to gain reps and make their case. Anzalone has done his share of grinding through training camps and OTAs. His role is solidified, and his experience allows him to maintain peak performance without the wear and tear of unnecessary reps in May and early June.

It’s also worth noting that Anzalone has always conducted himself as a consummate professional. Even during his early years in the league, teammates spoke highly of his preparation, football IQ, and attitude. In Detroit, he’s elevated those traits into a leadership package that meshes seamlessly with what Dan Campbell demands: toughness, accountability, and selflessness.

That alignment of values makes this situation easy for Detroit to manage. They know who Anzalone is. They know he’s not a distraction. And they know he’s not using absence as a negotiating tactic designed to leverage the team publicly. In many ways, the quiet and respectful nature of the situation is a reflection of Anzalone’s own demeanor. He’s letting the business side play out behind closed doors and trusting that the relationship with the team will remain strong regardless of contract fluctuations.

For now, Lions fans can rest easy. There’s no threat of locker room drama, no media spectacle, and no signs of discontent from either side. Detroit’s approach is clear: they value Anzalone, they trust him, and they’re confident he’ll be ready when it counts.

That’s why the phrase “zero concern” resonates so strongly with those inside the building. It’s not just a deflection—it’s an honest assessment from a front office and coaching staff that feels secure in its direction and confident in its people. Anzalone is one of those people. And barring a completely unforeseen twist, he’ll be back in Honolulu blue soon enough, commanding the huddle, pointing out offensive formations, and continuing to be one of the voices that helped change the narrative around Detroit Lions football.

As the team looks to take the next step—perhaps a Super Bowl appearance in the near future—players like Alex Anzalone will be crucial. Not because they light up the stat sheet or go viral on highlight reels, but because they do the hard, often unseen work of holding everything together. The Lions know what they have in Anzalone. And that’s why, when he’s temporarily away, they aren’t worried.

They know he’ll be back. Ready. Reliable. Respected. Just like always.