Lions Top Linebacker May Be on the Way Out in 2026
The Detroit Lions have had a reliable part of their core defense for the past five seasons. Linebacker Alex Anzalone has spent nine years in the NFL, becoming a key veteran piece for Detroit. In 2025, despite a disappointing season as a team, the 31-year-old earned 95 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one interception. He’s proven his ability to stay consistent in the NFL, earning nine total sacks and 490 tackles in his five seasons with Detroit. Unfortunately for both sides, the end may be near, with Detroit working on fixing its cap space issues. Anzalone’s departure rumors are becoming more rampant around the league, but where he could be going next may make the ending even more sour for Lions fans.
The Chicago Bears have emerged as one of the top teams to potentially gain the talent of Anzalone, as they are now in the market for a linebacker. Most recently, the Bears lost linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, releasing him in an effort to save cap space. Chicago has had a few departures already, like wide receiver D.J. Moore, who has freed up their salary cap and placed them first in the NFC North in terms of available money. The 31-year-old also has ties to the Bears’ defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who worked with him several years ago as part of the New Orleans Saints. Chicago has the money to sign the star linebacker, but whether they pull the trigger will remain to be seen. No matter where Anzalone ends up, the Lions will now possibly need to address a vacant spot at the linebacker position, which is already thin at depth.
While there are plenty of free agent linebackers available, like Edmunds, the issue remains the same: Detroit cannot afford a top linebacker. They’re limited in what they can do to sign top players, where there are many more positions they need to figure out, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Fortunately for the Motor City, they can rely on their head coach, Dan Campbell, to do what he did when he first landed his job in Detroit, and that’s build through the NFL Draft. They currently hold the 17th overall pick in the draft, along with eight total picks. There’s plenty of room for the team to acquire young talent that they can develop to fill the roles of the veterans leaving due to monetary reasons. The options that Detroit has at the linebacker position through the draft are limitless, with guys like Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles from Ohio State possibly available around their selections. Anzalone will continue to be a name to keep an eye on for Detroit, as the offseason continues to roll on towards the NFL Draft.
