Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone has moved on to his next football opportunity with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Anzalone and his new team will visit the Detroit Lions for a matchup during Week 11.
But despite being adversaries this season, the veteran might still indirectly help the Lions. A to Z Sports argued that’s a possibility when he named “potential post-June 1 cuts” the Lions could target before training camp.
Fellow Buccaneers linebacker Sirvocea Dennis made the list because he might not have a role in Tampa Bay in part because of the arrival of Anzalone.
“Now that the Bucs have Alex Anzalone and Josiah Trotter, Dennis finds himself as a possible odd man out,” wrote Payton. “He can come in and theoretically help the Lions wean Jimmy Rolder into his expected starting spot.
“Dennis started for the Bucs last year, and while he wasn’t a Pro Bowler by any means, he was serviacveble and could be a good rotational pass rusher from the linebacker spot.”
Dennis started for the first time during 2025. In 16 games, he had 101 combined tackles, including 10 tackles for loss. Dennis also posted seven quarterback hits, three sacks and one interception.
Could Lions Target LB Sirvocea Dennis If Released?
With quite a few big contracts coming up, Lions didn’t make Anzalone a priority this offseason. The veteran left for the Buccaneers, signing a 2-year, $17 million deal in free agency.
Instead of Anzalone, the Lions brought back veteran Malcolm Rodriguez on a 1-year, $2.75 million deal. Of course, first-time All-Pro Jack Campbell will be return next season, but he will be a free agent next offseason.
That’s likely why the Lions didn’t commit any major money at linebacker past 2026.
In Dennis, though, the Lions could get a quality addition to potentially help replace Anzalone this fall.
Payton sees Dennis as a potential rotational depth player in Detroit. That could be a great role for him, but he also could play most downs. Last season, he appeared on the field for 94% of Tampa Bay’s defensive snaps in his 16 games.
The Lions targeting Dennis is dependent on the Buccaneers releasing the linebacker. Dennis is entering the final year of his rookie contract this season.
Dennis played 17 game over his first two NFL seasons but never started. He has posted 136 combined tackles, including 11 for loss and eight quarterback hits in 33 games.
He has also recorded four sacks and six pass defenses with one interception.
Lions Replacing Alex Anzalone
Detroit could see value in adding Dennis on a short-term basis. The Lions already did the twice with two other linebackers this offseason.
The team signed both linebacker Damone Clark and Joe Bachie to 1-year contracts in free agency. Detroit also brought back linebacker Trevor Nowaske on a 1-year deal.
Finally, the Lions added linebacker Jimmy Rolder in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Those four linebackers could help replace Anzalone, but adding Dennis, if he’s available, would make sense.
Pundits project Campbell, along with Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes to start at linebacker for the Lions this fall.
Over five seasons with the Lions, Anzalone started 73 games. He registered 490 combined tackles, including 26 for loss. He also had nine sacks, 33 pass defenses and three interceptions
Alex Anzalone Predicted to Potentially Still Help Lions in 2026 NFL Season