Alex Anzalone linked to Jets and Bears as Lions free agency nears
Detroit Lions pending free agent linebacker alex anzalone has been linked to the New York Jets and Chicago Bears as the NFL legal tampering period begins Monday, with reports also tying New York to New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden as another option. The market for the veteran has been described as robust.
Connor Hughes ties Alex Anzalone to New York Jets pursuit
Jets reporter Connor Hughes wrote that alex anzalone is “the biggest name to keep an eye on” for New York as it looks to address linebacker in free agency, while adding he does not sense it is a slam dunk signing. Hughes also wrote that the Jets have interest in Micah McFadden as a fallback option, while noting the Giants are trying to retain him.
The Jets were described as having a need at linebacker after a disappointing season from Jamien Sherwood and because of the pending free-agent status of Quincy Williams. Hughes also wrote that the Jets and Anzalone “have been linked for awhile, ” while cautioning that there is a robust market for him.
Jeremy Fowler points to Chicago Bears after Tremaine Edmunds release
Another rumor connected alex anzalone to the Chicago Bears, after ’s Jeremy Fowler wrote in a free agency buzz column that Chicago could be in play. Fowler wrote that the Bears had released linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and framed Anzalone as “a name to watch” as a possible replacement, adding that he is good in coverage.
The ties for Chicago were also described as familiar: the Bears’ defensive coordinator is Dennis Allen, who served as Anzalone’s defensive coordinator when both were in New Orleans. In New York, Anzalone would also have a familiar connection, with head coach Aaron Glenn having coached him as defensive coordinator in Detroit and New Orleans.
Detroit Lions resume and contract backdrop shape the free agency picture
Over the past five years in Detroit, Anzalone has started 73 games and totaled 490 tackles, 9. 0 sacks, 33 passes defended and three interceptions, and he has served as a team captain each year. In terms of a re-signing with the Lions, the coverage noted that little has been heard publicly, while also recounting that Anzalone went public last year with his belief that he was underpaid and that the sides did not reach an extension agreement.
The Lions were described as being against the cap this year, while Jack Campbell’s emergence at the MIKE position was cited as a factor that could influence the situation. Separately, one report said the Lions paid Derrick Barnes and noted an expectation that Anzalone will be playing elsewhere in 2026, while also describing him as a great leader.
Attention now shifts to Monday’s start of the NFL legal tampering period, when teams can intensify talks with pending free agents, including alex anzalone, as New York weighs its linebacker options that also include Micah McFadden and Chicago considers replacements after releasing Tremaine Edmunds.
