Detroit Lions Re-Sign Linebacker Alex Anzalone

Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone will return to the Detroit Lions in 2022.

Alex Anzalone will remain a Detroit Lion heading into 2022.

The 27-year-old linebacker has re-signed with the organization, putting to rest all the uncertainty as to whether he would be back after his first year in Detroit.

Acquired via free agency in the 2021 offseason, Anzalone started 14 games for the Lions. He made 78 tackles, 49 being of the solo variety. He picked off one pass and defended seven, while notching one sack.

The Florida product was productive, but suffered a season-ending injury in a Week 15 victory over Arizona.

Prior to coming to Detroit, Anzalone spent four seasons with the New Orleans Saints. His time there coincided with that of current Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, whom held the roles of tight ends coach and defensive backs coach in New Orleans, respectively.

With the Saints, Anzalone played in 38 games, starting in 20 of them. In that time, he totaled 201 tackles, and notched one interception.

Following the season, he posted a "thank you" message to Detroit on his Instagram, leading some to believe he would not return for the 2022 season. Ironically, an Instagram post from his wife, Lindsey, on Monday seemingly confirmed that Alex is returning.

The contract is for one year, and can be worth up to $4 million. 

By re-signing him, Lions general manager Brad Holmes has secured a valuable leadership piece for his linebacking corps.

In addition to the veteran, Detroit has a pair of returning pieces in its linebackers room. Jalen Reeves-Maybin enjoyed a breakout season in 2021, going from special teamer to starting linebacker. Additionally, Derrick Barnes showed flashes of potential in his rookie season.

The Lions began the offseason with $22 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.com. 

Other signings announced 

According to the team, safety Jalen Elliott and linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton have also been re-signed.

Defensive back C.J. Moore re-upping with the team was also officially announced on Monday afternoon. 

The @Lions have re-signed LB @AlexAnzalone34, a team captain.

In 2021, he was 1-of-3 @NFL LBs with at least 75 tackles, 7 PDs, 1.0 sack and 1 INT. This marked only the 3rd time a Lions LB has ever produced such a season.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/s7vzeZt5gW

— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) March 14, 2022