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5 free agent replacements for Alex Anzalone the Detroit Lions should target

By Brad Berreman

Oct 23, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) reacts during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) reacts during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Michael Owens/Getty Images
Credit: Michael Owens/Getty Images /

2. Denzel Perryman

Perryman is on the older side, at 30 years old. But he was a productive part of a bad Raiders defense the last two seasons, including a career-best 154 tackles during a Pro Bowl campaign in 2021. This past season, he had 83 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two interceptions and one sack in 12 games. A dislocated shoulder cost him the end of the season.

Pro Football Focus gave Perryman an overall grade of 74.2 for the 2022 season, a top-20 mark among linebackers. He was, and has been, a run-stopping force. Does that sound like someone the Lions should like?

Naturally, per Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal in a response to a fan’s question, the Raiders wouldn’t mind keeping Perryman around.

"Jorge Alanis (@raider_al82): Is linebacker Denzel Perryman coming back?  Vincent Bonsignore: On a team that lacks sufficient defensive standouts, Perryman has been a bright spot the past two seasons, on the field and in the locker room. The sense is the Raiders would like him back, provided it makes sense financially."

Progress in recovery from that shoulder injury will of interest to teams as Perryman (and his agent) ply his wares on the open market. That said, if it’s not already, it should be well in the rearview mirror by training camp and the start of the season. His injury history, dating back to his time with the Chargers, stands to dampen his market some. Even after lining himself up for a raise, he probably won’t get more than a two-year deal.

If the Lions lean toward an older veteran like Anzalone to replace him, with a talent upgrade inherent in that move, Perryman would come cheaper than David.

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