It has become clear this offseason that Alex Anzalone is seeking a new pact. The ninth-year linebacker said at the start of training camp that he is “disappointed” with the state of his financial situation with the Lions.
Talks on an arrangement of some kind continued in the wake of Anzalone’s comments, however. While signs still point to no extension being worked out for the pending 2026 free agent, a contract adjustment covering this season has taken place. Anzalone and the Lions recently worked out a restructure, ESPN’s Field Yates notes.
The 30-year-old will see a $250K bump in his $6MM base salary (which is now guaranteed). Per Yates, the new pact also contains incentives which could increase Anzalone’s earnings for 2025. Adding further details on that point, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press specifies there is $750K in new money available via playtime incentives. Anzalone remains on track for free agency next spring, but his fifth Lions campaign could now see him collect as much as $1MM more than what he was originally owed.
Here are some other notes from around the NFC North:
- Christian Darrisaw resumed practicing in June, but he did so while still awaiting full clearance. The Vikings’ left tackle has been able to participate in training camp on a limited basis, but Emily Leiker of the Minnesota Star Tribune writes no timeline exists for when he will be fully involved. As a result, it remains to be seen if Darrisaw – who tore his ACL and MCL in October – will be available for the start of the season. The 26-year-old is on the books through 2029 thanks to his $76MM extension signed last summer.
- Elsewhere on the injury front, Jaylon Johnson continues to rehab the leg ailment which he encountered before the start of training camp. A multi-week absence was known to be in store, but it is still unclear when the two-time Pro Bowler will be available. Bears head coach Ben Johnson said (via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times) Week 1 is the target in this case. The rookie HC said “there’s a scenario” in which the five-year veteran is back for the start of the year, a somewhat concerning update on the situation given its initial outlook. One month remains for Johnson to heal and avoid a stint on the PUP list in September.
- The Vikings managed to retain Aaron Jones on a two-year deal this spring, allowing him to remain in place after a career-high in rushing yards last season. 2024 also saw the 30-year-old handle the heaviest workload of his NFL tenure with 255 carries, however. Minnesota targeted a more balanced approach in the backfield, something which resulted in the trade acquisition of Jordan Mason. The snap share between Jones and Mason is yet to be determined, but ESPN’s Kevin Seifert notes something closer to a 50-50 split is likelier in 2025 than past years under Kevin O’Connell. Mason’s 153 carries last year marked a major uptick in usage with the 49ers last season, and he figures to play a key role on offense with his new team.
- The Lions recently announced a number of staffing changes (h/t Seifert’s colleague Eric Woodyard). Dan Corzine‘s new title is director of scouting operations (in addition to assistant to the general manager). Meanwhile, Michael Pelfrey is now Detroit’s manager of scouting advancement. Austin White and Bri Howard are in place as personnel assistants while Brandon Clark is in the fold as a scouting assistant.