Detroit Lions: ‘Zero Concern’ with Alex Anzalone’s Offseason Absence Amid Contract Issues

In a league often defined by headlines surrounding offseason drama, the Detroit Lions are choosing calm over chaos when it comes to veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone. Despite his absence from early voluntary workouts due to unresolved contract issues, the organization has made it clear: there’s “zero concern” about his long-term standing with the team.

For a franchise on the cusp of sustained success—fresh off an NFC Championship appearance in 2024—the Lions are operating with the quiet confidence of a contender. And when it comes to Anzalone, one of the team’s emotional leaders and on-field quarterbacks, that confidence remains unshaken.

A Missing Presence — But Not a Missing Piece

Alex Anzalone’s absence from the Lions’ voluntary OTA sessions hasn’t gone unnoticed. Reporters, fans, and analysts have all picked up on the linebacker’s decision to skip the early portions of the offseason program. But internally? The Lions are not panicking.

“There’s zero concern,” head coach Dan Campbell told reporters this week. “Alex is a pro’s pro. He’s earned the right to handle his offseason how he sees fit. We’re not worried in the slightest.”

According to sources close to the situation, Anzalone’s absence is not related to injury or discontent with the team, coaching staff, or culture. Instead, it’s tied to ongoing discussions regarding a restructured contract. After playing a pivotal role in Detroit’s defensive resurgence over the past two seasons, Anzalone is reportedly looking for added guarantees and incentives to better reflect his value.

The 29-year-old linebacker is entering the second year of a three-year, $18.75 million deal he signed in March 2023. But after a career-best season and a leadership role on a playoff defense, sources say Anzalone and his representatives believe a minor adjustment to his contract is warranted.

Earning His Respect — and His Value

Anzalone joined the Lions in 2021 on a modest one-year deal after four up-and-down seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He was initially viewed as a stopgap linebacker who would provide familiarity for Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn—both of whom coached him in New Orleans.

But what unfolded was something far greater. Anzalone became a glue guy. A tone-setter. A film junkie. A vocal leader. And most importantly, a productive, reliable playmaker.

He recorded a career-high 129 tackles in 2023, followed by 118 in 2024, along with 3 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, and multiple key pass deflections. In short, he became the kind of linebacker teams build around—not just on the stat sheet, but in the locker room.

“Alex is the guy who gets everyone lined up,” said Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill. “He’s like the quarterback of the defense. His brain is just different.”

Pro Football Focus ranked Anzalone as one of the most improved linebackers in football over the past two seasons, lauding his play recognition, quick decision-making, and leadership on passing downs.

While he’s not a flashy name nationally, inside the Lions’ facility, his value is unquestioned. And that’s why this offseason “holdout”—if you can even call it that—feels more like a pause than a protest.

Voluntary Isn’t Mandatory

It’s worth emphasizing that Anzalone’s absence is from voluntary offseason activities. Not minicamp. Not training camp. Not preseason games.

Veterans skipping OTAs is nothing new in the NFL. In fact, it’s often a calculated move—especially for players negotiating new deals or contract adjustments. Missing voluntary workouts helps apply subtle pressure on the front office without crossing into full-on holdout territory.

“There’s a reason it’s called voluntary,” Anzalone posted on social media with a wink emoji last week, subtly addressing fan questions about his whereabouts.

Teammates appear to be unfazed as well. Cornerback Cam Sutton (who rejoined the team after a turbulent offseason of his own) said the defense remains focused and ready.

“We all know what Alex brings. We’re just building on what we did last year, and we’ll be even stronger when he’s back in the mix,” Sutton said.

And that sentiment is shared by the coaching staff, who have been careful not to pressure Anzalone or frame his absence as any kind of distraction.

“We talk all the time,” Campbell said. “He knows what we’re doing. He’s staying sharp. There’s nothing lost here.”

Contract Dynamics and the Market Value Puzzle

While the Lions have not publicly commented on contract talks, insiders suggest the two sides are close to finding common ground. Anzalone isn’t believed to be seeking a complete overhaul of his current deal—rather, modest adjustments to base salary, bonus structure, or injury protections.

His case is further complicated by a crowded and expensive linebacker market. Recent signings, including the likes of Roquan Smith (5 years, $100 million), Fred Warner, and Bobby Wagner, have recalibrated expectations at the position. While Anzalone doesn’t play at the elite statistical level of those stars, his value in Detroit’s system—both schematically and culturally—cannot be overstated.

NFL contracts, especially for middle-tier veterans, often fail to fully capture a player’s intangible value. Anzalone is aware of that—and sources say he’s been professional and respectful throughout the negotiation process.

“He’s not trying to rock the boat,” said one source. “He just wants the contract to reflect the role he’s played—and continues to play.”

The Bigger Picture: Detroit’s Core Is Intact

Even amid the contract talks with Anzalone, the Lions have done an exceptional job this offseason retaining and extending their core. Aidan Hutchinson remains under team control, Alim McNeill received an early extension, and safety Kerby Joseph is next in line. Offensively, Jared Goff signed a massive extension, and wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown is locked in long-term.

In short, this isn’t a team fractured by contract disputes. This is a team managing success, roster growth, and market realities.

“Winning teams deal with these things,” said GM Brad Holmes. “When you build a roster that works, guys want to be here. And that’s what we’re seeing with Alex.”

Holmes hinted that internal contract talks are ongoing with multiple players, but emphasized that “dialogue has been constructive.”

The Lions are navigating success—something they haven’t done in decades. And that means managing expectations, player needs, and financial sustainability all at once.

What Happens If Anzalone Doesn’t Return Soon?

While there’s no indication of a prolonged absence, the Lions do have contingency plans in place. Rookie Edgerrin Cooper, drafted in the second round out of Texas A&M, has been getting increased reps with the first team in Anzalone’s absence. So has third-year linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, a versatile hybrid who has shown flashes of starting potential.

“We’re using this as an opportunity,” Aaron Glenn said. “The young guys are stepping up. They’re getting valuable reps. But of course, we’ll welcome Alex back whenever he’s ready.”

This measured response is a hallmark of the new Lions under Campbell and Holmes. No overreactions. No emotional missteps. Just clarity, accountability, and trust in the culture.

Anzalone’s Value Beyond the Field

Beyond his stat line and leadership on Sundays, Anzalone has become a fan favorite in Detroit for his community work, military family background, and underdog mentality. He frequently speaks at local schools, supports military charities, and has embraced Detroit as more than just a stop on his career path.

He even helped lead team prayer circles and off-field bonding activities, making him a bridge between different locker room factions.

“He’s one of the most respected guys on the team,” said Dan Skipper, offensive lineman. “It’s not just what he does on the field—it’s how he carries himself every day.”

For a franchise trying to build something lasting, those kinds of players matter more than ever.

Calm Amid the Noise

There’s no shortage of offseason storylines in the NFL, and when a starting linebacker skips workouts amid contract questions, it usually becomes fodder for headlines and speculation.

But in Detroit? This isn’t a panic moment. It’s just business.

Anzalone remains an integral piece of the Lions’ defensive puzzle. The team knows it. The player knows it. And while the finer details of compensation may still be ironed out, there is no animosity, no threats of holdouts, no public grievances.

The phrase “zero concern” isn’t just a talking point. It reflects the maturity of a franchise that has come a long way. This is a new era of Lions football—one where stability, respect, and shared goals take precedence over drama.

Expect Anzalone to be back in Honolulu Blue soon enough. And when he is, don’t be surprised if he’s still calling the shots on defense—both literally and figuratively.