Alex Anzalone, the top incoming 2026 free agent, has spent the last four seasons with the Detroit Lions and may ask for a trade prior to the 2025 season. The linebacker is reportedly unhappy with the contract negotiations and unsure of his future in Detroit, which may lead to a move before the season starts.
The former Florida product, who was first chosen in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, has struggled to stay healthy since suffering a forearm injury during last year’s Week 11 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Anzalone managed to make a comeback in the regular season finale, but despite registering 56 stops—including seven tackles for a loss and four pass-blocks—he hasn’t been the same player in recent memory.
Given that the Lions will most likely need to consider investing in an athlete who is unable to maintain their health, it will be interesting to watch what they do in this scenario. Given that Anzalone is still recovering from a knee injury and hasn’t practiced, it would be illogical for Detroit to offer him a new contract.
Anzalone believes he has been a pillar of this defensive unit and wants to return to Detroit, but the team may be stalling negotiations because of his injury concerns. These four teams could try to sign the linebacker, even if he isn’t looking to hold out. The Lions will still examine a trade before agreeing to a release.
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