Alex Anzalone had an emotional goodbye to Lions after signing with Buccaneers

The Detroit Lions have had a quiet start to the free agency period in terms of signing new players, but it's been anything but quiet when it comes to watching some of their own depart.

During the first day of the legal tampering period, the Lions lost a handful of players, most of whom came on the defensive side of the ball. Both role players and starters have departed, but arguably, the most significant loss came at linebacker.

Alex Anzalone quickly agreed to a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, meaning he will now play football somewhere other than Detroit in 2026. It's a cold, hard reality for fans, many whom have embraced the Thor-like presence from the moment he burst on the scene.

After agreeing to terms with the Buccaneers, Anzalone posted a heartfelt goodbye message on Instagram where he thanked the Lions and their fans for the support through the years.

"On the field, these five years have been incredible. Being named a captain was an honor I never took lightely. We went through the rebuild together, fought through the hard moments, and then got to experience the turnaround. The playoff runs, the excitement back in Ford Field, but most importantly the brotherhood with my teammates," Anzalone wrote, also noting he's proud that all his children have Detroit roots.

In the end, though, Anzalone knows football remains a business, and he's trying not to let that fact define the memories he has made and the good times he has shared.

"The business side of football doesn't always line up with exactly how we think thing should go. Contracts end, decisions are made and sometimes paths diverge. It's bittersweet no doubt. I leave with nothing but appreciation. Detroit will always hold a special place in our hearts."

As farewell statements go, this was particularly touching given the personal tone it took. There's no doubt the Lions will miss Anzalone the person and player, especially after what he has meant for the franchise since the beginning of his tenure.

Anzalone deserves major credit for taking a chance on Detroit in 2021

Even though Anzalone is departing, it doesn't diminish anything he was able to accomplish during his time in the Motor City. Not only was Anzalone a great player, but he represented the city with pride the entire time he played for the Lions. Moreover, he took a leap of faith to do so.

When Anzalone signed with the Lions in the 2021 offseason, the team was in-flux. They had a new general manager in Brad Holmes and a new head coach in Dan Campbell. The staff was untested, and the franchise was attempting to clean up the mess from previous decades of failure. Adding a solid veteran free agent such as Anzalone was not easy work then.

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Though the Lions went 3-13-1 that first season, a bedrock was established, and Anzalone was one of the primary figures who helped lay the foundation for what the Lions would become. It isn't a stretch to say through his leadership, the Lions were able to evolve and become an improved team.

Without Anzalone, the Lions will turn the defense over to a pair of his young protoges in Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes. Given the lessons this duo has learned from Anzalone, the Lions remain in good shape for the next few seasons. With that in mind, it's only fair to credit Anzalone for helping to effectively mold them.

Anzalone meant a lot to the Lions and the city of Detroit, and it's clear he felt and reciprocated that love given the emotion surrounding his exit.