The Detroit Lions began training camp this week and beforehand everyone was wondering if linebacker Alex Anzalone might hold out.
After making cryptic tweets during the offseason hinting he wanted a new deal, the Lions defensive stalwart confirmed that is indeed the case and noted that he was "disappointed" that something didn't get done.
Anzalone did pass his conditioning test upon arriving at training camp but has not practiced yet due to a hamstring injury.
Despite Anzalone's clear frustration with the situation, head coach Dan Campbell offered a positive update on Friday that leads us to believe this dispute will get sorted out and Anzalone will remain in Detroit.
“You guys know how I feel about Alex, how we feel about Alex," Campell said, per Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit. "He’s one of our dudes. we’ve leaned on him. He’s a productive player. We’re good, still talking. There’s no animosity here. There’s nothing like that.
"So, I’m not going to go into anything else outside of that. But we’re going to be good. We’re going to be good, and, yes, we’re going to need him.”
Anzalone has made it quite clear he deserves a pay raise, and he's right. Not only has his play been outstanding in Detroit, he has also become a leader and a hugely important piece to the Lions' defense, as we saw last season upon his return from injury.
The Lions already paid one linebacker this offseason in Derrick Barnes, who is far less proven and is also coming off an injury-shortened 2024 season.
Now, it's time to pay Anzalone.
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