On the first day of the NFL free agency period, one of the key defensive captains for the Detroit Lions is set to return to the team.
Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport and beat reporter Kyle Meinke, inside linebacker Alex ‘Thor’ Anzalone has officially re-signed a three-year deal to return to the Lions. The deal is set for $18.75 million, $6.25 million each year.
Since coming over with head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to Detroit in the 2021 offseason, Anzalone has provided a steady balance of leadership and playing presence on the field each game.
After signing a second one-year deal in 2022, Anzalone’s play improved as he recorded 125 total tackles, one interception, six passes defended, and one forced fumble/recovery.
Alex will be back with the Detroit defense that is headed by fellow linebackers Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes, edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston, and free agent acquisitions: defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs and cornerback Cam Sutton.