Why the Detroit Lions Must Extend Alex Anzalone This Offseason

The Heart of the Defense

If there’s one undeniable truth about the Detroit Lions’ defense, it’s that they simply perform better with Alex Anzalone on the field. The veteran linebacker has been a stabilizing force, providing leadership, consistency, and playmaking ability. His presence is a major reason why the Lions’ defense has taken a step forward, and he remains an integral part of their success heading into 2025.

An Uncertain Contract Situation

Despite his importance, Anzalone finds himself in an awkward position contractually. While he is technically under contract for the 2025 season, there are no guarantees left on his deal. This leaves him in a precarious spot—valuable to the team, yet without financial security. While the Lions are unlikely to cut or move on from him, offering an extension would not only reward his contributions but also solidify the team’s defensive core.

A Logical Extension for Both Sides

To determine a fair and reasonable contract extension for Anzalone, I worked alongside salary cap expert Joshua Queipo. Based on our projections, an ideal deal would look something like this:

One-year, $9 million contract with $7.5 million fully guaranteed.

Unlike some of the longer-term extensions the Lions have considered for younger players, this deal reflects Anzalone’s age—at 30, the team is more likely to approach his future on a year-by-year basis.

Short-Term Security, Long-Term Potential

This extension would ensure Anzalone remains with the Lions through 2026, giving both sides flexibility. If he continues to perform at a high level, Detroit could keep bringing him back on similar short-term deals. However, a long-term commitment is unlikely given his age and the team’s need to manage cap space for younger talent.

From Anzalone’s perspective, this contract structure also provides peace of mind. With $7.5 million fully guaranteed, he gains financial security even in the event of injury. This deal allows him to focus on leading the defense without worrying about his future.

A Smart Move for the Lions

Extending Anzalone is a win-win situation. The Lions secure a key leader on defense, maintain stability at linebacker, and send a message that they take care of their core players. At the same time, they avoid overcommitting cap space while keeping their options open for the future.

As the Lions continue their push toward Super Bowl contention, locking in proven veterans like Anzalone is the type of smart roster management that separates great teams from the rest. Now, it’s just a matter of getting the deal done.