With training camp quickly approaching, the Detroit Lions still face uncertainty regarding veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone’s future. Entering the final year of his current deal, Anzalone made waves during the offseason by suggesting on social media that he was seeking a contract extension. His absence from voluntary workouts further fueled speculation.
Complicating matters is the fact that the Lions opted not to hold a mandatory minicamp, leaving fans and analysts in the dark about whether Anzalone plans to report for camp without a new deal in place. If contract talks stall and he sits out, it may signal the end of his time in Detroit after the 2024 season—particularly since young talents like Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes are already in the mix.
Should the team move on, Brentley Weissman of Pro Football and Sports Network believes Detroit could address the position in the 2026 NFL Draft. He sees Georgia’s C.J. Allen as an ideal fit for the Lions’ defensive identity.
“Allen would be a strong addition to the Lions’ physical, fast-paced defense,” Weissman notes. “He’s instinctive, explosive, and built to disrupt plays. With Campbell already on board, pairing him with Allen would create a highly athletic linebacker tandem.”
Allen has emerged as a standout over two seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs, racking up 117 tackles, six pass breakups, a sack, and an interception in 28 games. ESPN’s Matt Miller recently praised the 6-foot-1, 235-pound defender as a “rising star” following his first season as a full-time starter in 2024. Miller called him a “downhill attacker,” known for his aggression and speed in run support.
One executive from the NFC compared Allen’s instincts and toughness to elite linebackers like Fred Warner and Lavonte David but emphasized that Allen might surpass them in his pass-rushing skills.
Though using a first-round pick on a linebacker might not be a crowd-pleasing move, especially given Detroit’s current depth at the position, general manager Brad Holmes could see Allen’s potential as too valuable to pass up if he shares that assessment.
