With the start of the NFL legal tampering period on Monday, free agency rumors are kicking into high gear. While all has been quiet about the Detroit Lions and their intentions, one of their current players has been the source of some very predictable rumors.
Soon-to-be free agent linebacker Alex Anzalone has been connected to two teams. Jets reporter Connor Hughes believes the veteran linebacker could be headed for New York.
“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.”
In New York, Anzalone would be reunited with Aaron Glenn, who coached him both in Detroit and New Orleans. A veteran linebacker with a deep knowledge of Glenn’s scheme would likely do wonders for a struggling Jets defense.
The other Anzalone rumor comes from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. In his latest “free agency buzz” column, he believes the Chicago Bears—who just released linebacker Tremaine Edmunds—could be in play for Anzalone.
Again, the dot connecting is fairly obvious here. The Bears’ defensive coordinator is Dennis Allen, who was Anzalone’s defensive coordinator when the two of them were in New Orleans.
“To replace Tremaine Edmunds, Alex Anzalone is a name to watch,” Fowler wrote. “Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was with him in New Orleans and he’s good in coverage.”
Over the past five years, Anzalone has started 73 games for Detroit, tallying 490 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 33 passes defended and three interceptions. Each year, he has served as a team captain.
In terms of a re-signing in Detroit, we haven’t heard much at all. Anzalone was clearly disgruntled with his contract situation last year, going public with his belief that he was getting underpaid. And while the Lions were able to throw some money his way, they weren’t able to come to an extension agreement. With Detroit against the cap this year—and Jack Campbell’s emergence at the MIKE position—it seems like Anzalone’s departure is only a a matter of time, especially if there’s truly a “robust market” as Hughes suggests.
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