As the NFL’s legal tampering window opened Monday, free agency buzz intensified. Though the Detroit Lions’ plans remain under wraps, a current player from their roster is predictably generating significant rumors.
“The biggest name to keep an eye on with the #Jets is LB Alex Anzalone, per sources,” Hughes posted on Twitter. “They’ve been linked for awhile. There’s a robust market for him, though. I don’t get the sense it’s a slam dunk signing.”
A move to New York would reunite Anzalone with Aaron Glenn, his former coach in both Detroit and New Orleans. An experienced linebacker familiar with Glenn’s defensive system would undoubtedly be highly beneficial for the Jets’ struggling defense.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is the source of another Anzalone rumor. In his recent “free agency buzz” column, he suggests the Chicago Bears, following their release of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, might pursue Anzalone.
The connection here is quite straightforward: Dennis Allen, the Bears’ defensive coordinator, previously coached Anzalone in New Orleans.
Fowler stated, “To replace Tremaine Edmunds, Alex Anzalone is a name to watch.” He added that “Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was with him in New Orleans and he’s good in coverage.”
For Detroit, Anzalone has started 73 games across the last five seasons, accumulating 490 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 33 passes defended, and three interceptions. He also held the role of team captain every year.
There has been little news regarding Anzalone re-signing with Detroit. Last year, Anzalone publicly expressed dissatisfaction with his contract, feeling he was underpaid. Although the Lions offered him additional compensation, an extension agreement was not reached. Given Detroit’s current cap constraints and Jack Campbell’s development at the MIKE position, Anzalone’s exit appears imminent, particularly if a “robust market” for him truly exists, as Hughes indicated.