ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone desires to complete his taking part in profession in Detroit however admits to being “dissatisfied” in how his contract negotiations have gone up to now this offseason.
Anzalone, who’s coping with a hamstring harm, has but to apply however was noticed on the Meijer Efficiency Middle roaming the sidelines on Day 3 of coaching camp in team-issued gear.
“I am dissatisfied, I am going to simply say that. I am dissatisfied,” Anzalone stated Tuesday of his contract negotiation.
Though the 30-year-old has expressed his want to achieve a brand new contract way back as he enters the ultimate yr of his present three-year, $18.75 million contract that was signed in 2023, he does not anticipate sitting out any regular-season video games as a consequence of these considerations.
Nevertheless, he finds the state of affairs unusual due to his historical past with the Lions over the previous 4 seasons, throughout which he was a key piece of the group’s rebuild to relevancy.
“For certain. It is a bizarre state of affairs and wasn’t on my finish or my agent’s finish,” Anzalone stated whereas talking to reporters for the primary time.
Anzalone would not go into full element about any ongoing discussions however does really feel he is underpaid relative to different linebackers within the NFL. In 2024, he began in all 10 appearances, whereas logging the group’s fourth-most tackles (63) — seven for loss.
“I need to retire a Lion. I would like that chance,” Anzalone stated “That is how I really feel.”
On Sunday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell stated he refused to imagine that Anzalone not training is part of a “hold-in” state of affairs as a consequence of contractual points. And there’s a probability that Anzalone may doubtlessly return to the apply discipline and not using a new deal, however his intentions are clear as he appears to be like to assist Detroit win a Tremendous Bowl.
“I put a lot into my time right here and being a four-time captain and my teammates and town and simply dwelling right here,” Anzalone stated. “You may listing all the explanations, however it’s simply essential to me. I really feel like I really like this place, and I would like that chance.”
Lions All-Professional security Kerby Joseph is a giant fan of Anzalone, and his function on protection, and says he is supportive of “no matter he feels he must do is greatest and that is simply him.”