The Detroit Lions are reportedly pursuing a two-year, $15 million contract extension for linebacker Alex Anzalone as he approaches his age-31 season and enters the final year of his current deal. The move, expected soon with training camp approaching, aims to secure Anzalone’s presence on the team while balancing concerns about his age and salary cap flexibility.
This Alex Anzalone contract extension is part of the Lions’ broader strategy this offseason, where their focus has been on maintaining core players and preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft, rather than high-profile free agency acquisitions. Alongside Anzalone, the Lions secured key extensions with safety Kerby Joseph and linebacker Derrick Barnes.
Current Detroit Lions Offseason Moves and Contract Strategy
Detroit’s offseason has been quiet, highlighted chiefly by the acquisition of cornerback D.J. Reed to replace Carlton Davis in free agency. The Lions prioritized contract extensions for important players instead of large new signings beyond $4 million.
Notably, safety Kerby Joseph signed a four-year, $86 million extension, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL and surpassing Antoine Winfield Jr. This move underscored Detroit’s commitment to retaining vital starters. Similarly, Derrick Barnes agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal, ensuring continuity in the linebacker corps.
Amid these decisions, attention has shifted toward Alex Anzalone, who is on the last year of his three-year, $18.3 million contract signed in 2023. Entering his age-31 season, he is scheduled for a $7.3 million cap hit in the upcoming year.
Anzalone did not participate in voluntary organized team activities earlier this offseason, reportedly seeking a new contract, though head coach Dan Campbell remains unconcerned about the linebacker’s absence.
I think what’s great is that any player that I talk to, I have a relationship with, and there’s an open line of communication,
Campbell said.
Whatever I say to those players, I’m not going to say to you guys. I never will. There’s communication that has been great, so I’m not (worried).
I’m not worried about anything. I know this, we’re in late May. Is it even June yet? I don’t even—we’re not even in June. So, life’s good. We’re going to be just fine.
—Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions Head Coach
Assessing the Financial Landscape for Anzalone’s Extension
Anzalone’s age is a critical factor when considering the terms of his extension, as a new deal would cover his age-32 season and beyond. Despite this, the Lions have shown a willingness to extend veteran players, seen in contracts like the three-year, $20 million deal for guard and center Graham Glasgow at a similar stage of his career.
Quality linebackers who are over 30 rarely receive long-term extensions, but past deals provide some context. For example, Carolina Panthers signed Josey Jewell to a three-year, $18.75 million deal, including $10.125 million guaranteed, as he entered his age-30 season.
The Denver Broncos extended Alex Singleton for three years and $18 million with $9 million guaranteed prior to his age-30 campaign. An older example is DeMario Davis, who secured a two-year, $17.25 million contract with $13.25 million guaranteed with the New Orleans Saints before turning 35.
Anzalone’s previous agreement stands as a reasonable baseline, as his three-year, $18.3 million deal included $9 million guaranteed, aligning with other linebackers in this salary range and age bracket.
Projections for the Terms of Alex Anzalone’s New Contract
Considering Anzalone’s advancing age, the Lions are likely to avoid a three-year extension similar to those signed by other linebackers and instead opt for a shorter arrangement that offers financial safeguards to both parties. A two-year contract with roughly $9 million guaranteed seems most practical to balance team flexibility and player security.
This shorter deal would allow Detroit to limit cap exposure if Anzalone’s performance declines while still rewarding him with a raise. Salary projections hover near previous one-year deals for veteran linebackers like Bobby Wagner and Lavonte David, who recently signed contracts for around $9 million annually.
The expected two-year, $15 million extension would bring Anzalone’s total earnings over three years to approximately $21 million and include guaranteed money encompassing the signing bonus, the 2025 salary, and a portion of the 2026 salary. This structure would likely lower his cap hit in 2025 and preserve salary flexibility in 2026 and 2027.
Projection: two years, $15 million, with $9 million guaranteed.
Why Locking Down Anzalone Matters for the Lions’ Future
Securing Anzalone’s contract extension is significant for the Lions, as he has been an underrated but steady contributor both on and off the field. Retaining such a player adds important depth and experience to a defense undergoing development. This move also aligns with the team‘s recent efforts to build around a core of trusted veterans without excessive risk to salary cap resources.
Finalizing this deal ahead of training camp will allow Anzalone to return to the team’s preparations with clarity about his role and compensation, while providing Detroit with immediate linebacker stability. The contract structure will give the Lions the option to manage future roster changes around Anzalone’s performance and durability as he moves further into his 30s.
With multiple key players like Kerby Joseph and Derrick Barnes already extended, the potential agreement with Anzalone completes a trio of foundational linebacker and safety contracts that position Detroit to be competitive while maintaining salary cap discipline heading into the next NFL season and 2025 draft cycle.