A couple former Detroit Lions coordinators might have interest in signing linebacker Alex Anzalone this offseason. Therefore, the one most interested might have to overpay.
Essentially Sports’ Tony Pauline explored that scenario through a report Wednesday.
Pauline stressed former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and the New York Jets are interested in Anzalone. Pauline added Anzalone has interest in the Jets too, but his market is rising.
“Also, during Shrine practices, I reported the odds were great that Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone would look to join his former defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, in New York once free agency began,” wrote Pauline.
“And though I’m told both sides have a mutual interest in negotiating a deal, there is a market developing for Anzalone that could complicate a reunion between the linebacker and the Jets.
“Several teams have expressed an interest in signing Anzalone to a multi-year deal as the linebacker inches towards retirement. This means the Jets may have to pay above market value to reel him in.”
Anzalone has played the past five seasons for the Lions. Over all five of those campaigns, the linebacker has served as one of Detroit’s captains.
In his first four campaigns with the team, Glenn was his defensive coordinator. Glenn left to become the Jets head coach last year.
During 2025, Anzalone, who will turn 32 during the 2026 campaign, posted 95 combined tackles, including four tackles for loss. He also had nine pass defenses, six quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks and one interception.
Growing Free Agency Market for Lions LB Alex Anzalone
Pauline didn’t mention any other teams potentially driving up the price for Anzalone. But one possibility, ironically, is the Chicago Bears.
That’s ironic because the Bears also employ a former Lions coordinator as head coach — Ben Johnson.
On Wednesday, The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs reported the Bears are allowing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to seek an offseason trade. After that news, Detroit Jock City’s Richard Louis connected the Bears to Anzalone.
“They will have to replace a linebacker who started 45 games for them over the last three seasons, and Anzalone could jump to the top of the list,” wrote Louis.
There’s no concrete evidence the Bears are interested in Anzalone. But it would make sense if they are.
Johnson isn’t Anzalone’s only previous connection in Chicago. Before Glenn, Anzalone played for Bears current defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
During the linebacker’s first four NFL seasons, Allen was Anzalone’s defensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints from 2017-20.
Before last year, the only two defensive coordinator Anzalone had played for were Allen and Glenn.
Could Lions Lose Anzalone to Jets?
Anzalone has been a key leader on the Lions defense over the past five years. He’s one of the last remaining connections from Dan Campbell’s first club in 2021, which began changing the culture of the organization.
But that doesn’t mean Anzalone will be a priority for the Lions in NFL free agency.
The linebacker is likely to seek the biggest payday possible. That’s an issue for the Lions because they sit more than $9 million over the salary cap according to Spotrac.
Meanwhile, the Jets have the money to spend. They possess nearly $77 million in cap space as of February 26.
If they want to overpay for a linebacker older than 30, they can. The Lions, though, would be prudent not to do that.
More than likely, that means Anzalone will play elsewhere in 2026. But he could very well play for a familiar coach such as Glenn or Allen.
Ex-Lions DC Aaron Glenn Could Overpay to Poach Leader on Detroit Defense: Report