Earlier this week, the Lions awarded LB Alex Anzalone a small pay bump, the opportunity to earn a little bit more this season through incentives, and, most importantly, assurance by guaranteeing his salary.
Seems reasonable if not quite what the AA wanted. I would always side with labor, but I am also realistic and completely understand the Lions aren't going to pay extra in the future for past performance and don't want to sign an over-30 LB for multiple years.
The lack of an extension will linger, even if subconsciously. It’s human nature. Not saying it’s the wrong decision. Myself, would probably extend him for a year. But AA will not forget what he perceives to be a contractual slight.
I fully understand this comment, and AAs value to this team is not only obvious but seemingly greater over time. But AA gives up nothing in return for this deal and it gives him safe harbor with a very real chance to cash in later here or more likely someplace else. Point 1: No contending NFL team can afford to pay everybody what they are worth. Point 2: No contending NFL team can afford to pay everybody what they are worth. AA can and should get his feelings out of the way if he hasn’t already. He has to understand - we have to understand - that the basic structure of the nfl forces painful decisions like this. I can’t think of another player outside of Hutch whose absence last year was more devastating, but fixing that long term doesn’t necessarily means a longer term AA contract in this organization. If he has to leave for a big contract we’ll all hate it, but that’s the way this has to work sometimes - we’d all love to see him cash in. Not here, not right now, though. My $.02.
I'm going to guess Holmes is hoping for short-term contracts starting next year. Chances are, someone will offer enough more money he'll want to leave.
But, as slays, trust Holmes to do whatever it takes to improve the team. I hope Anzalone plays a couple more years for the Lions, but I'll be fine however it works out.
I’m glad AA is still around. Especially given his leadership role on the defense. But as coach said, this is jack Campbell defense now. When the head coach says that, pay attention. This might be his last year in the Honolulu blue. Can’t pay everyone…. And we have at least 6 men up for a big pay day. Give em heck this year AA!!!
Seems reasonable if not quite what the AA wanted. I would always side with labor, but I am also realistic and completely understand the Lions aren't going to pay extra in the future for past performance and don't want to sign an over-30 LB for multiple years.
The lack of an extension will linger, even if subconsciously. It’s human nature. Not saying it’s the wrong decision. Myself, would probably extend him for a year. But AA will not forget what he perceives to be a contractual slight.
I fully understand this comment, and AAs value to this team is not only obvious but seemingly greater over time. But AA gives up nothing in return for this deal and it gives him safe harbor with a very real chance to cash in later here or more likely someplace else. Point 1: No contending NFL team can afford to pay everybody what they are worth. Point 2: No contending NFL team can afford to pay everybody what they are worth. AA can and should get his feelings out of the way if he hasn’t already. He has to understand - we have to understand - that the basic structure of the nfl forces painful decisions like this. I can’t think of another player outside of Hutch whose absence last year was more devastating, but fixing that long term doesn’t necessarily means a longer term AA contract in this organization. If he has to leave for a big contract we’ll all hate it, but that’s the way this has to work sometimes - we’d all love to see him cash in. Not here, not right now, though. My $.02.
I'm going to guess Holmes is hoping for short-term contracts starting next year. Chances are, someone will offer enough more money he'll want to leave.
But, as slays, trust Holmes to do whatever it takes to improve the team. I hope Anzalone plays a couple more years for the Lions, but I'll be fine however it works out.
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But as always, I trust Holmes...
I kind of expected that it would be like that. I’m pretty sure AA is going to be phasing out.
Concessions from both sides and more financial security for Anzalone. I'd call that a win/win...
I’m glad AA is still around. Especially given his leadership role on the defense. But as coach said, this is jack Campbell defense now. When the head coach says that, pay attention. This might be his last year in the Honolulu blue. Can’t pay everyone…. And we have at least 6 men up for a big pay day. Give em heck this year AA!!!
Glad to hear this news. Don't need any disturbances in the Force.
Man, Holmes is sticking to his plan. It's a business plan, the likes of which we're not used to in these parts.
It's still surreal to me watching this organization now.
I'm a little confused. It sounds like If he got hurt in the preseason, he wouldn't get his $6M base salary? That's not true, right?
That was the case until the team guaranteed the $6 million.
Ah, I feel for the guy. I'm happy they at least did something though.