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Alex Anzalone leaving Lions for Buccaneers in NFL free agency
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- Alex Anzalone leaving Lions for Buccaneers in NFL free agency
Alex Anzalone came to the Detroit Lions in 2021 hoping to turn them into winners. Now, he'll try to put the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the top.
Anzalone agreed to a reported two-year contract worth $17 million with his hometown Bucs on Monday afternoon at the start of the 2026 NFL free agency negotiating period . The deal will not become official until the new league year opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
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ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the New York Jets and New York Giants were also interested.
Anzalone, 31, was one of the first free-agent signings by coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes in 2021, and has been a staple of the Lions defense since.
Jan 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
(David Reginek)
Oct 5, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) walks off the field after a win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
(Katie Stratman, Katie Stratman-Imagn Images)
Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) tackles Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
(Eric Hartline, Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone celebrates a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
(Eric Hartline, Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone celebrates a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 28: Aidan Hutchinson #97 and Alex Anzalone #34 of the Detroit Lions wait in the tunnel prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on September 28, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
(Mike Mulholland, Getty Images)
Detroit Lions linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad celebrates after a sack against the Minnesota Vikings with linebacker Alex Anzalone in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025.
(Jeffrey Becker, Imagn Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 20: Alex Anzalone #34 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on October 20, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell shakes hands with linebacker Alex Anzalone (34)
(Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone tackles Packers tight end Luke Musgrave during the second quarter on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) stretches during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
(Finn Gomez, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) looks to a fan after defeating the Chicago Bears at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
(Finn Gomez, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21), left, linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) and safety Kerby Joseph (31) tackle Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) is tackled by Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) in the second quarter at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
(Finn Gomez, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) celebrates a tackle against Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Oct 20, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) makes a catch against Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
(Lon Horwedel, Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)
Detroit Lions linebackers Alex Anzalone, Trevor Nowaske and Ezekiel Turner stretch during practice at the Lions training facility in Allen Park, Thursday, Aug. 14 2025
(Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) celebrates a sack against Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) with linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone celebrates a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone walks off the field due to a broken forearm injury during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone signs autographs for fans after practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Oct 27, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) celebrates with linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) after intercepting a pass from Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph (not pictured) in the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
(Lon Horwedel, Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone talks with coach Dan Campbell at practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) talks to media members after practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone practices during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (34), left, linebacker Derrick Barnes (55), right, and head strength & conditioning coach Josh Schuler huddle during warm up ahead of game against Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34), left, and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) sign autographs for fans after practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to inside linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during the second half against Los Angeles Rams at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis, left, and linebacker Alex Anzalone walk off the field after practice during minicamp in Allen Park on Wednesday, June 8, 2022.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press, Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Jan 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
(David Reginek)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Jan 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
(David Reginek)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Oct 5, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) walks off the field after a win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
(Katie Stratman, Katie Stratman-Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) tackles Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
(Eric Hartline, Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone celebrates a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
(Eric Hartline, Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone celebrates a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 28: Aidan Hutchinson #97 and Alex Anzalone #34 of the Detroit Lions wait in the tunnel prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on September 28, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
(Mike Mulholland, Getty Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad celebrates after a sack against the Minnesota Vikings with linebacker Alex Anzalone in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025.
(Jeffrey Becker, Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 20: Alex Anzalone #34 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on October 20, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell shakes hands with linebacker Alex Anzalone (34)
(Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone tackles Packers tight end Luke Musgrave during the second quarter on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) stretches during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
(Finn Gomez, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) looks to a fan after defeating the Chicago Bears at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
(Finn Gomez, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21), left, linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) and safety Kerby Joseph (31) tackle Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) is tackled by Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) in the second quarter at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
(Finn Gomez, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) celebrates a tackle against Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Oct 20, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) makes a catch against Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
(Lon Horwedel, Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebackers Alex Anzalone, Trevor Nowaske and Ezekiel Turner stretch during practice at the Lions training facility in Allen Park, Thursday, Aug. 14 2025
(Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) celebrates a sack against Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) with linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone celebrates a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone walks off the field due to a broken forearm injury during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone signs autographs for fans after practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Oct 27, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) celebrates with linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) after intercepting a pass from Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph (not pictured) in the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
(Lon Horwedel, Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone talks with coach Dan Campbell at practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) talks to media members after practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone practices during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (34), left, linebacker Derrick Barnes (55), right, and head strength & conditioning coach Josh Schuler huddle during warm up ahead of game against Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34), left, and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) sign autographs for fans after practice during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to inside linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during the second half against Los Angeles Rams at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone: A look at his time with team
Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis, left, and linebacker Alex Anzalone walk off the field after practice during minicamp in Allen Park on Wednesday, June 8, 2022.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press, Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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He led the team with a career-high 125 tackles in 2022, topped that with 129 stops in 2023, and after missing time with a broken forearm in 2024 had 95 tackles and a career-high nine pass breakups last season.
But the veteran linebacker has appeared headed for a breakup with the Lions since last year, when he skipped offseason workouts in a contract dispute and received only a slight bump in pay when he returned to practice in training camp.
Detroit Lions middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) celebrates a tackle against Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
A four-time team captain, Anzalone played on two straight one-year deals in 2021-22 before signing a three-year, $18.75 million extension in 2023. He told the Free Press in December last year's contract dispute wouldn't prevent him from returning to Detroit .
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"Just business," he said. "I want to come back, but … I got to do what's best for me and my family when it comes time. We'll see what that is. Hopefully it's here."
The Lions maintained some interest in re-signing Anzalone again this offseason, but already are heavily invested at the linebacker position. They gave Derrick Barnes a three-year, $25.5 million extension last spring at the start of free agency and are expected to lavish Jack Campbell with a new contract this offseason that makes him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the NFL.
The Lions, who went 9-8 last season and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2022, do not have any other linebackers currently under contract for 2026.
Tampa Bay finished 8-9 in 2025 to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
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News broke around the same time that we learned Lions cornerback Amik Robertson agreed to a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders .
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com . Follow him on Bluesky , X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions lose Alex Anzalone to Tampa Bay Bucs in NFL free agency
