Linebacker Alex Anzalone has been an underrated part of the Detroit Lions’ recent success, and the potential trade target is looking for a raise as he enters the final year of his deal. A former third-round pick, the Florida product found a home in Detroit and came on especially strong over the past two seasons. Last year, Anzalone started and appeared in 10 games while recording one sack, 63 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, five quarterback hits, and a 66.9 PFF grade, the 35th-best mark out of 84 eligible players.
In a recent interview, the linebacker said he feels underpaid relative to his peers and is disappointed with how the Detroit Lions have addressed his contract situation. While a trade seems to be a long way off, it’s worth noting that the Detroit Lions probably can’t afford to give Alex Anzalone a massive contract. While they’ll probably keep him and go all-in on the 2025 season, the following four teams could make a move for the veteran if Detroit’s season goes south.
Lions LB and team captain Alex Anzalone says he believes he’s underpaid relative to other LBs in the league. Wants the opportunity to retire a Lion.
Shared this with the front office long ago and is disappointed with how things have unfolded, entering the final year of his deal. pic.twitter.com/8sEcsVCOhr
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) July 22, 2025
Lions Alex Anzalone “Disappointed” With Contract Talks, Could Request Trade
Possible Fits
Las Vegas Raiders
Pete Carroll was synonymous with old-school defense during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, and it’s safe to assume he’ll bring his old-school mentality with him to the Las Vegas Raiders. The aging head coach believes this team can win now, as evidenced by the trade for quarterback Geno Smith and the first-round selection of running back Ashton Jeanty. The Raiders linebackers aren’t an active liability by any stretch of the imagination, but there’s plenty of room for improvement here. Alex Anzalone isn’t a spring chicken, but neither are Germaine Pratt and Elandon Roberts.
Los Angeles Chargers
Speaking of old-fashioned coaches with surprisingly weak linebacker rooms, Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers have their eyes on the Kansas City Chiefs in the race for the AFC West. Harbaugh did a remarkable job of moving past the Brandon Staley Era and getting this team to the playoffs, but now it’s time to take another leap. While the offensive line and running game should improve in 2025, an Alex Anzalone trade could give this team a much-needed veteran at the heart of the defense to pair with the young up-and-comer Daiyan Henley.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have arguably the league’s worst linebackers, and things only got worse with the release of Josey Jewell. Despite the lack of linebacker talent, this team has an outside shot at winning a weak NFC South next year. Bryce Young looked like the real deal last year, the offensive line is borderline elite, and the defense has new playmakers in Tre’Von Moehrig, Tershawn Wharton, and rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. An Alex Anzalone trade would further improve this defense and could help Carolina make the playoffs for the first time since the Cam Newton Era.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts must make the playoffs in 2025 if head coach Shane Steichen wants to keep his job. While the Colts quarterback battle is (understandably) the biggest topic of the offseason, the team desperately needs someone to step up opposite Zaire Franklin. Alex Anzalone could be the man for the job, and a trade could help this organization battle for a Wild Card spot.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – Imagn Images
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