The art of a sound defense in the NFL is one that's very difficult to master - and something that the Detroit Lions have prided themselves on since bringing Dan Campbell on as their head coach back in 2021. The "biting kneecaps" mentality has translated to all positions on defense for Detroit, from their pass rushing to their work in the secondary.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone, who will be a free agent in 2026, is one of the Lions' best off ball defenders. He unfortunately wasn't able to show off his tackling and pressure in the open field during much of 2024 because of a broken arm, but will be returning in 2025 to help the Lions' defense get even healthier - Aidan Hutchinson is returning this season to do the same thing.
Anzalone's capabilities are underrated, as are many off ball linebackers in the league. It's hard to get them paid, which was outlined in a CBS Sports article by Joel Corry, a sports agent. Corry detailed how, despite a salary cap increase to the tune of 40 percent over the last five years, off ball linebackers have only seen a general salary increase of just 16 percent.
That spells a bit of trouble for the Lions and for Anzalone if they're unable to come to a deal by the time he's a free agent after this season - and, that'll especially be the case if Anzalone has an excellent 2025 season, commanding a higher salary than what's commonplace on the market for off ball linebackers right now.
Analyst's take on the salaries of off ball linebackers makes new Anzalone contract tricky
Corry wrote in his piece that the last time the linebacker market was reset was back in 2019, when Kwon Alexander signed a four-year, $54 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers. That was followed by huge pay days for C.J. Mosley, Bobby Wagner, and Shaq Leonard.
Roquan Smith and Fred Warner are the most recently highly-paid linebackers to contribute to the resetting of that market, but even with them, their salaries are only moving the market a few percentage points.
Anzalone isn't likely to a see a huge offer from the Lions when they also have to retain Hutchinson in 2027 and left tackle Dan Skipper in 2026. As of now, in 2026, edge rushers like T.J. Watt, Trey Hendrickson, and Micah Parsons are all also set to become free agents next season, and all three would command a major payday from Detroit - which also puts Anzalone on the outside looking in.
Another Lions linebacker impacted by this stagnant market is Jack Campbell, who Corry explains can at least be worked with by exercising his fifth-year option.
Another off-ball linebacker to watch is Jack Campbell. The 2023 first-round pick made tremendous progress in 2024. Another step forward this season could start to set Campbell up for a big payday. The Detroit Lions' first major decision on Campbell will be next offseason with his fifth-year option. If the fifth year for Campbell in 2027 is declined, his prospects for breaking the bank in Detroit will diminish. Unless Campbell is named to the Pro Bowl on the original ballot this upcoming season, his fifth-year option should be in the $16 million neighborhood.Joe Corry, CBS Sports
The Lions have shown that they're extremely ten toes down for their players, however, so Anzalone can likely work something out with the team to stay on longer than just this season. But, it's likely he doesn't get the pay he deserves.
