Alex Anzalone deferred most questions about his contract to general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell, but the linebacker made it clear he's disappointed something hasn't already gotten done.
Anzalone was on two prove it contracts. He proved it and got a market rate extension. He is literally set for life financially, assuming rational money management.
His issue is ego and green eyes. I get it, it's human nature. But if doesn't end his career a Lion, that will just mean that he values his services higher than the Lions. And it's possible some other team will agree.
What won't happen is Holmes buying into the emotions. I hope Anzalone and his agent understand that and do nothing to damage the relationship.
Can’t afford to resign everybody indefinitely. Lions were always going to have to make some tough decisions with all the players needing to be resigned in coming years (Hutch, Laporta, Gibbs, Branch etc). Anzalone may be where the rubber starts to hit the road on tough decisions. He probably wants more term than they are willing to give to a 30+ LB.
This type of situation is going to happen more and more. We’ve handed out a lot of big (deservedly so) contracts and there is only so much to go around. Seems like we are banking on the renewal of the media rights in the upcoming years significantly increasing the salary cap.
I wouldn't say long term but if adding a year on with a bigger signing bonus with a possible void year to spread it out a little more seems doable. I am not sure what Anzalone is asking for though year wise but it can't be to hard to get a couple of more years added for a guy who is playing at his level. I think last year was the best of his career when he was out there.
But you are correct we are not looking to sign Anzalone to a 4-5 year deal.
Anzalone was on two prove it contracts. He proved it and got a market rate extension. He is literally set for life financially, assuming rational money management.
His issue is ego and green eyes. I get it, it's human nature. But if doesn't end his career a Lion, that will just mean that he values his services higher than the Lions. And it's possible some other team will agree.
What won't happen is Holmes buying into the emotions. I hope Anzalone and his agent understand that and do nothing to damage the relationship.
Hopefully they can come to an agreement on a short extension.
Can’t afford to resign everybody indefinitely. Lions were always going to have to make some tough decisions with all the players needing to be resigned in coming years (Hutch, Laporta, Gibbs, Branch etc). Anzalone may be where the rubber starts to hit the road on tough decisions. He probably wants more term than they are willing to give to a 30+ LB.
This type of situation is going to happen more and more. We’ve handed out a lot of big (deservedly so) contracts and there is only so much to go around. Seems like we are banking on the renewal of the media rights in the upcoming years significantly increasing the salary cap.
It's gotta be spite -- Brad has bald man jealousy for Anzalone's beautiful golden mane.
I’m probably in the minority here, but I don’t think making a long-term commitment to an over 30 player makes sense with where this team is.
Especially when he’s had a history of shoulder injuries. Maybe increase his salary for this year is a decent compromise?
Agreed, it's time to let his contract expire and draft a cost controlled replacement.
Also agree. AA can go.
I wouldn't say long term but if adding a year on with a bigger signing bonus with a possible void year to spread it out a little more seems doable. I am not sure what Anzalone is asking for though year wise but it can't be to hard to get a couple of more years added for a guy who is playing at his level. I think last year was the best of his career when he was out there.
But you are correct we are not looking to sign Anzalone to a 4-5 year deal.
I sure hope they can work out something acceptable to both sides before the season starts.🤞🏼
“Violet, can you ask your mother to pass the salt?” 🤣
What really does it for me is the name choice