Alex Anzalone, a linebacker with the Detroit Lions since 2021 and a player who's been a key part to their top defenses since then, has officially left in free agency. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Anzalone has signed a new deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Anzalone had unexpectedly taken a back seat in the linebacker room to Jack Campbell, who has become one of the NFL's best tacklers. They do play different areas on the field, though, with Anzalone more of a WILL and Campbell a MIKE for Kelvin Sheppard's defense. It would have been nice to get both back for another full season under Sheppard, but it simply wasn't in the cards.
After a bit of a strenuous offseason last year between the Lions' front office and Anzalone, which was temporarily resolved with a contract adjustment in 2025, Anzalone now leaves for another opportunity ahead of his 10th season in the league.
The linebacker finished up his 2025 campaign with 95 total tackles and a career-high nine passes defended in 16 games played.
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Detroit could look to the draft to replace Anzalone's production at the WILL, with some names to watch including Jake Golday, CJ Allen, Anthony Hill Jr., and Deontae Lawson. Anzalone could potentially just be the first linebacker to walk in free agency for the Lions, too.
In addition to him, Malcolm Rodriguez, Trevor Nowaske, and Grant Stuard are three other notably important linebackers hitting the market.
Now, Anzalone also gets a shot to revitalize his career under defensively-minded head coach Todd Bowles, and to compete in the NFC South.