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Roy Lopez leaving Lions in free agency to return to Cardinals
- Story by
- Roy Lopez leaving Lions in free agency to return to Cardinals
Roy Lopez 's tenure with the Detroit Lions has come to an end after one season. The 28-year-old defensive tackle is returning to the Arizona Cardinals after agreeing Monday, March 9, to a two-year, $11.5 million deal with $7 million in guarantees, according to the NFL Network.
Serving in a backup role, Lopez delivered solid returns last fall. In fact, there were times he outperformed teammates who had started in front of him, including DJ Reader , Tyleik Williams and Alim McNeil.
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Despite playing fewer snaps than all three of those players, Lopez surpassed each of them in sacks, quarterback hits and tackles for loss. Before joining the Lions last March on a one-year, $3.5 million contract , Lopez had earned a reputation as a strong run stuffer during his previous stints with the Houston Texans and Cardinals. But in Detroit, he expanded his repertoire, showcasing impressive pass-rushing ability while consistently pushing the pocket.
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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)
"He doesn't get the credit that he deserves as far as his athleticism and his first step quickness," Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said in November. "He's been phenomenal and you're talking about ultra-team guy, selfless. … He doesn't care if he plays one or 50 snaps, he's going to make the most of his opportunities."
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Lopez made sure he did by playing with relentless energy.
Asked if he thought this past season was the best of his career, Lopez responded, "I do."
"I love this place for what it did for me as a person, as a player," he said. "I've grown so much being here."
Now back in Arizona, Lopez will try to blossom even more in the desert.
Contact Rainer Sabin at rsabin@freepress.com . Follow him @RainerSabin on X.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Roy Lopez signing with Arizona Cardinals after one year with Lions
