Lions Have ‘Zero Concern’ About Alex Anzalone’s Offseason Absence

Lions' Alex Anzalone (Image: Lions)

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone missed a chunk of games in 2024 due to injury. Despite this, the Lions aren’t missing Anzalone from their offseason program.

Anzalone on social media has hinted at his desire to get a deal done with the Lions, posting the caption “respect is due.” He’s missed voluntary work in the pursuit of a new contract, but defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has no worries.

“Me and Alex are all good,” Sheppard told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I have zero concern. That player is a leader here and he’s been a leader here, he’s been an intricate piece in building the culture that’s here, and I’m going to pay the respect that he’s earned and that he’s due, and whatever his private situations are, I’ll let Alex address those when he’s face-to-face with you all.”

Anzalone won’t be able to join the team until the start of training camp in the summer.

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Before his injury, Anzalone finished 2024 with 63 tackles and one sack. He’s spent four seasons with the Lions after a previous four with the New Orleans Saints.

In 2022 and 2023, Anzalone finished with over 125 tackles. In both seasons, he led the Lions in tackles.

Anzalone has been very open about wanting a new contract. If the Lions don’t reward his performance with a contract, a holdout could be possible.