Alex Anzalone: Everything you need to know

Anzalone (concussion) agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract with the Buccaneers on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Anzalone's deal can be made official when the new league year begins Wednesday. He has recovered from a concussion that sidelined him down the stretch in 2025. The 31-year-old linebacker had 95 tackles in 16 games for the Lions prior to the injury in 2025, and he notched 490 tackles across five regular seasons in Detroit after posting only 123 tackles in his first four NFL regular seasons with the Saints.

Anzalone (concussion/personal) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears. Anzalone was able to upgrade to a limited participant Thursday before once again downgrading to a non-participant in Friday's practice, as a personal status was also added to the report. Malcolm Rodriguez and Grant Stuard will likely see an increased snap share at outside linebacker in the starter's absence. Between the linebacker experiencing private troubles, working his way back from the concussion, and the Lions being eliminated from playoff contention, it seems the team determined it best to end the 31-year-old's season a game early. Anzalone finishes the 2025 campaign with 95 tackles (52 solo), including 2.5 sacks, and nine passes defensed (including one interception) over 16 games.

Anzalone (concussion) was limited in Thursday's practice. Anzalone was listed as DNP on Wednesday, so his limited session is an upgrade after the veteran linebacker was concussed on Christmas Day against the Vikings. If Anzalone isn't cleared for Sunday's game against the Bears, Malcolm Rodriguez would likely draw the start.