Lions LB Alex Anzalone ‘disappointed’ with contract talks

Detroit Lions linebacker and team captain Alex Anzalone is at training camp this week, but he's frustrated with how his contract negotiations with the front office are going.

Anzalone has reached the final season of his three-year, $18.75 million deal signed in 2023 but believes he is underpaid relative to other linebackers around the league.

"I want to retire a Lion. I want that opportunity," Anzalone told reporters Tuesday. "That's how I feel."

Anzalone is working through a hamstring injury and has yet to practice at camp. Asked if he believes he will return to the practice field without a new deal, he said he had "no clue."

That follows coach Dan Campbell telling reporters Sunday that he did not believe Anzalone was conducting a "hold-in," in which he reports to camp but sits out of team activities.

Anzalone, 30, followed Campbell from the New Orleans Saints to the Lions in 2021 and instantly became a starting inside linebacker for Detroit. In 57 games (all starts) with the franchise, he has amassed 395 tackles (22 for loss), 6.5 sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

"I'm disappointed, I'll just say that. I'm disappointed," Anzalone said.

--Field Level Media