The Detroit Lions have extended many of their core players, but that desire to keep themselves in contention could lead to players like linebacker Alex Anzalone being forced out of a roster spot when free agency comes around.
Anzalone's time with the Lions was effective enough to give him a fairly strong market, which could lead to an AFC bottom-feeder in need of some leadership and consistency paying above what Detroit would in order to bring him to town.
FOX Sports believes that Anzalone's time with the Lions is going to come to a close, as they believe he could be a perfect match for a New York Jets team that is both coached by his former defensive coordinator in Aaron Glenn and willing to spend a ton of money in free agency.
The Lions have helped Anzalone go from a somewhat disappointing third-round pick of the New Orleans Saints to a very important part of one of the best teams in the NFC over the last few years, but the time to see him move on to greener pastures seems to be at hand.
FOX Sports believes Lions LB Alex Anzalone could sign with Jets
Anzalone is a well-rounded linebacker who graded out as an above-average player when it comes to both stopping the run and making plays in coverage. Even as he enters his 30s, both Detroit and New York can (and should) feel confident in his ability to be a starting linebacker in the 2026 campaign.
Not only is Glenn calling his own defensive plays for the Jets this season, but he hired a former Lions assistant in Brian Duker to be his defensive coordinator. Anzalone likely has that scheme down front to back in his head, which could ease the transition away from the Lions.
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Detroit needs to make some big financial decisions in the next few months, as the NFL Draft class that brought along Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch all need to get new contracts. With the Lions likely to keep Jack Campbell, it seems unwise to pay two off-ball linebackers big money in free agency.
Detroit has gotten multiple solid seasons out of Anzalone, but his time in the sun is starting to ebb to a close, and it might be better for all parties if he goes somewhere else to keep starting while the Lions try to get cheaper on defense.