Quick Summary

• Insider Dave Birkett reports that Anzalone’s OTA absence is contract-related.
• He’s due $6 million in 2025—without any guaranteed money.
• Coach Dan Campbell continues to praise Anzalone’s leadership and downplays any tension.

Contract Dispute at the Heart of Anzalone’s Absence

Anzalone, one of the team’s defensive leaders, is notably missing from this week’s voluntary workouts at Allen Park. The issue? His contract. He’s entering the final season of a three-year, $18 million extension signed in 2023. Although that deal seemed fair at the time, changes in the linebacker market have left Anzalone underpaid relative to his production and role. His 2025 salary—$6 million—is fully non-guaranteed, increasing the risk for the veteran as he enters another season.

Coach Campbell: No Tension in the Locker Room

In response to questions, Dan Campbell made it clear that communication with Anzalone remains open and respectful:

“I’ve spoken with Alex, and he’s doing well,” Campbell told the Detroit Free Press. “I have tremendous respect for him and what he brings to this team. His absence isn’t something we’re reading into—this is between him and the front office. He’s done a lot for us, and I support both him and the organization.”

Campbell echoed a similar sentiment earlier regarding center Frank Ragnow, suggesting the Lions are staying calm as offseason business plays out behind the scenes.

Why Anzalone May Feel Undervalued

Several factors explain Anzalone’s frustration:

• Inflation in the linebacker market: Players like Bobby Okereke ($10 million AAV) and Ernest Jones ($9.5 million AAV) have reset the market for mid-tier linebackers.
• Solid production: Anzalone has racked up 395 tackles and 22 tackles-for-loss over the past four seasons—reliable numbers for a defensive captain.
• Lack of guarantees: With zero guaranteed money in the final year of his deal, he faces heightened risk, especially considering the physical demands of his role.

Linebacker Pay Scale Comparison

Compared to other top-paid linebackers in the NFL (data via OverTheCap), Anzalone’s $6 million salary puts him well below similarly productive players, further supporting his case for a raise or restructure.

Potential Paths Forward

Here’s what the Lions might do next:

1. Restructure his contract: Convert some of his base salary into a guaranteed bonus.
2. Offer a short extension: Add a year and increase average annual value to $8–9 million.
3. Play the long game: Let him report to mandatory minicamp in mid-June while talks continue quietly.

Given Brad Holmes’ track record of rewarding core players and Campbell’s vocal support, option one—guaranteeing a portion of his salary—seems the most likely outcome for now.