Lions Fans Split Regarding Decision to Bring Back Alex Anzalone

NFL world reacts to the Lions' decision on linebacker Alex Anzalone.

Linebacker Alex Anzalone struggled in his debut campaign with the Detroit Lions in 2021. 

After arriving, Anzalone struggled to adapt in Detroit's defense. Many wondered what the reasons were, as he had familiarity with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. 

Missed tackles plagued the former New Orleans Saints linebacker, causing some to write off his potential. 

In 2022, Anzalone rebounded, and emerged as one of the leaders of Detroit's young defense. 

While his missed tackle rate declined to a level below his career average, it can still be improved moving forward. 

Lions head coach Dan Campbell highlighted to reporters, at the end of the season, just how much Anzalone's play improved over the past 12 months. 

On the field, his ability to read plays, stopping the run and getting to the football all improved, coinciding with the defense executing at a much higher level in the second half of the season. 

"Last year was the best I’ve ever seen him in all the years that we had him in New Orleans. That was the best that I’ve seen him play, and this year is even better. He’s playing at a high level, he’s the quarterback of our defense," Campbell said. "He’s versatile, he’s a really good athlete, he’s smart, he knows exactly what Aaron Glenn is looking for. He knows the situations that come up."

Lions supporters had a mixed reaction to the Anzalone signing, with some expressing gratitude online that his contract costs far less than Tremaine Edmunds' massive deal. Meanwhile, others appreciated his contributions on a football team that finished with a 9-8 record a season ago. 

Here is a sample of the reaction online to the Lions bringing back the 28-year-old veteran linebacker. 

Bro why we got Alex anzalone back 😒

— Lawrence Reed (@CrispyLaw27) March 13, 2023

Giving a guy 3yrs and a raise for being a mediocre player on the worst defense? Why couldn't we upgrade? Trying to justify it, especially with the North being wide open, makes no sense. Not a good signing.

— onehunahpu (@onehunahpu) March 13, 2023