**Silent Holdout? Alex Anzalone Sends Loud Message to Lions: “Pay Me What I’m Worth”**
The Detroit Lions have been one of the NFL’s most compelling stories over the past two seasons, transforming from perennial underdogs into legitimate contenders. A key piece of that resurgence has been linebacker Alex Anzalone, whose leadership and on-field production have been instrumental in the team’s defensive turnaround. But as the Lions prepare for what they hope will be a Super Bowl push in 2024, Anzalone’s absence from voluntary workouts has sent a clear, if unspoken, message: he believes he’s earned a new contract—and he’s willing to hold out until he gets it.
Anzalone, who signed a three-year, $18.75 million deal with the Lions in 2022, has outperformed that contract. Last season, he was a defensive captain, logging 129 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, and six pass deflections while anchoring one of the most improved units in the league. His presence was especially critical in the playoffs, where his experience and playmaking helped Detroit reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time in over three decades. Now, entering the final year of his deal, Anzalone appears to be leveraging his value in the quietest way possible—by staying away.
Holdouts are nothing new in the NFL, but Anzalone’s approach is notably understated. Unlike some players who publicly demand trades or take to social media to air grievances, the 29-year-old linebacker has remained silent. His absence speaks volumes, though. By skipping voluntary workouts—a common tactic for players seeking new deals—Anzalone is reminding the Lions’ front office that his contributions warrant financial recognition before he steps back on the field.
The Lions, for their part, have been proactive in locking up core players. Quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and offensive tackle Penei Sewell all received massive extensions this offseason, reinforcing Detroit’s commitment to its foundation. But Anzalone’s situation is trickier. While he’s undeniably important, the linebacker market is notoriously volatile, and the Lions may be hesitant to invest heavily in a player who turns 30 in September.
That said, Detroit’s defense relies heavily on Anzalone’s versatility and football IQ. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has repeatedly praised his ability to quarterback the unit, making pre-snap adjustments and setting the tone with his physicality. Replacing that would be difficult, even with the addition of rookie Jack Campbell, who is still developing. Letting Anzalone play out his contract risks losing him in free agency next March—a scenario the Lions can’t afford if they want to sustain their success.
Financially, the Lions have some flexibility. After their recent spending spree, they’re not flush with cap space, but a restructured deal for Anzalone is feasible. The question is whether general manager Brad Holmes sees him as a long-term piece or a short-term bridge. Comparable linebackers—like Indianapolis’ Zaire Franklin (three years, $10 million annually) or Chicago’s Tremaine Edmunds (four years, $18 million per year)—set a rough benchmark. Anzalone likely falls somewhere in the middle, warranting a deal in the $12-14 million per year range.
Beyond the numbers, there’s the intangible factor. Anzalone is a locker room leader, respected by teammates and coaches alike. His work ethic and professionalism have been cited as key reasons for the Lions’ culture shift. Letting contract tensions linger could disrupt the chemistry that’s been so pivotal to Detroit’s rise.
For now, the stalemate continues. Anzalone’s silent holdout isn’t a full-blown crisis—yet. But as mandatory minicamp and training camp loom, the pressure will mount. If the Lions want to avoid distractions and keep their defensive core intact, they’ll need to find a compromise. Anzalone has proven his worth. The ball is in Detroit’s court to pay him like it.
