NFL insider pushes Lions-Alex Anzalone situation toward inevitable end game
It was not uncommon for Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone to stay away from voluntary offseason work, but this time around there was the added layer of him entering the final year of his contract. His social media activity has strongly hinted he's not happy with the situation.
Since the Lions did not have a mandatory minicamp due to playing in the Hall of Fame Game, the next interesting point in Anzalone's situation would be the start of training camp. He showed up, despite his obvious and expected disappointment with his situation, but a hamstring injury kept him out of practice early.
Anzalone also plainly said he feels like he's underpaid relative to other linebackers around the league, and he can look no further than a current teammate to make his case.
Sometimes deals get done with nothing getting out to reporters beforehand. But there doesn't seem to any traction on a contract extension to keep Anzalone in Detroit past the coming season. With some other big deals looming on the Lions' financial docket, that may not change.
Mike Garafolo was part of the league-owned media outlet's contingent at Lions' training camp on Monday. Prompted by co-host Stacey Dales asking if something would get done with Anzalone, since fans are obviously wondering, the NFL Network insider had the expected update.
"I'm gonna say no...I haven't sensed any momentum in that direction", Garafolo said. "He's scheduled to be a free agent after the season. He's still at a point in his career, and you've seen at the linebacker position , you can be productive post-30 (years old). I still think this guy's got productive football left, and if he hits the free agent market, which I would say at this point...I would say that's where this one is headed."
Garafolo fortified the idea Anzalone will be "all-in" for what might be his last year with the Lions. In anticipation of a solid market for his services next March, he'll obviously be looking to put some good game tape out there in a contract year.
Reporters end up wrong sometimes, since things can and do change regardless of how good sources are. But it sure seems the Lions have drawn a line in contract extension talks with Anzalone, be it with term or money (or both).
Garafolo has simply confirmed the obvious idea Anzalone is headed into his fifth and final season as a Lion, barring a surprising turn the other direction.
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