The Detroit Lions have already been faced with the reality of losing veteran offensive tackle Dan Skipper, who officially retired from the NFL; they’re also awaiting the decision of offensive tackle Taylor Decker, who could very well join Skipper in retirement.
And while there will be other changes to the Lions’ roster, the chances of another veteran player departing down are picking up steam. According to multiple reports, the Lions could lose linebacker Alex Anzalone.
And here’s the kicker – he’s being linked to the New York Jets, who are now coached by former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
According to NFL Insider Tony Pauline, the “odds are high” that Anzalone will join forces with Glenn with the Jets for next season.
“Talk of Lions players following Aaron Glenn to New York isn’t new,” Pauline said. “But word in Frisco says the odds are high that Anzalone, the nine-year veteran who will become a free agent in March, will be playing for the Jets in 2026.”
Pauline continued:
“Anzalone is not expected to return to Detroit, and he’s close with “AG” and wants to reunite with his former defensive coordinator,” he said. “A reunion is more likely, given the Jets’ need at linebacker, as Anzalone brings the talent, leadership, and intensity the team needs at the position. Is Anzalone concerned Glenn may be on thin ice in New York? I’m told the answer is no, as the 31-year-old is closing out his career and really isn’t looking long-term.”
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Detroit Lions Could Lose Alex Anzalone To Jets, Who Plan On Being “Aggressive” In The Offseason
The Jets, who are overseen by general manager Darren Mougey, are planning on taking an “aggressive” but “calculated” approach to free agency.
“I think everyone wants to be aggressive, but calculated, with how they attack offseason. Whether that’s free agency and the draft, and just knowing your team, knowing your division and what you need,” Mougey said. “You can say it’s an aggressive approach but it really needs to be a very calculated approach, knowing your resources — your draft resources, your cap, your future cap, and what that might look like. We’re always going to look to add and kind of know where we might be deficient and where we might need to really add power to compete in the division.”
Mougey added, “I’ve been here a year, I’ve learned a lot, we’ve learned a lot. We’ve got a clear vision. AG and I, we talk daily on this roster and the vision and this division. I know we’re going to continue to build and add good players to the team that are going to help us win. The draft capital we have, the cap space, and just being here now for a year with AG. Working with AG, the staff, getting to learn the staff, getting to learn the players, getting to learn this division, I feel more confident today than ever moving forward with what we have going.”
Glenn was one of two major Lions coordinators to depart the club after the 2024 season ended; he accepted the head coaching job with the Jets, while offensive coordinator Ben Johnson did the same with the Chicago Bears.
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Alex Anzalone Has Been With The Lions Since 2021
Anzalone, who was a third round (76th overall) pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2017 NFL Draft, signed with the Lions in March 2021, and would eventually agree to a three-year, $18.75 million contract extension in 2023.
