3 days ago
Alex Anzalone not holding out but wants 'to be rewarded' for his Lions contributions
There was a familiar sight at Detroit Lions training camp. Linebacker and defensive captain Alex Anzalone and his trademark blond locks were out on the practice field on Tuesday.
Anzalone didn't participate in workouts, as he remains on the PUP list with a hamstring injury. He did meet with the local media shortly after practice, where Anzalone danced around the elephant in the room: his contract situation.
Anzalone skipped the voluntary spring sessions, which led to some consternation about a potential holdout for the veteran LB. With just one year left on his contract and no guaranteed money, Anzalone has dropped numerous social media hints that he wants a fresh contract that provides more security.
Anzalone insists he's not holding out, reiterating what head coach Dan Campbell stated before Sunday's practice that the notion of such a spirited player and integral leader was crazy talk. The thought did cross his mind, however, as related by Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network,
'I'm in a situation where I thought about it, and for my own personal goals and what I want for the team, I didn't think it was the best scenario (to not report). …We have a chance to win the Super Bowl and I want to be a part of it.'
Anzalone is under contract for a $6 million salary through 2025. None of that salary is guaranteed, nor is his $100,000 roster bonus. He's currently not in the top 30 of linebackers in compensation for the coming season.
'Production, play, the market. …I feel like I've done that a lot (put team first) through my four years here, and I'm just in a situation where you want to be rewarded for that, at least in some regard," Anzalone offered about his wages.
He did push back a bit on the speculation that he's not really hurt, but offered no timeline for when he'll be cleared for action off the PUP list.
More: Lions coach Dan Campbell: 'We're out to finish what we started'
