Lions LB Anzalone Deletes Post Criticizing Team's Social Media

Linebacker's future with Detroit remains uncertain as free agency approaches.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone sparked debate about his future with the team after making critical comments on social media about the team's highlight video not featuring any of his career-high 9 pass breakups from the 2025 season. Anzalone later deleted the posts, but the incident added fuel to speculation about his potential departure when he hits free agency next month.

Why it matters

Anzalone has been a key defensive leader for the Lions over the past five seasons, helping the team reach the brink of a Super Bowl appearance. His social media comments raise questions about his relationship with the organization and whether he will ultimately remain in Detroit beyond this season.

The details

Anzalone, who is set to become a free agent, was unhappy that the Lions' Valentine's Day highlight video did not feature any of his career-high 9 pass breakups from the 2025 season. He made a comment on social media criticizing the team's social media team, and later responded to a fan by saying the social media team "doesn't know how to behave." Anzalone later deleted the posts, but the incident added to the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team.

  • Anzalone's contract situation with the Lions was highly publicized throughout the 2025 training camp.
  • Anzalone is set to hit free agency when it begins next month (March 2026).

The players

Alex Anzalone

A 5-year veteran linebacker for the Detroit Lions who is set to become a free agent.

Detroit Lions

The NFL team that Anzalone has played for over the past 5 seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Had a career high (9 PDs) and not 1 made it. And other free agents were on the video, too.”

— Alex Anzalone, Linebacker (X (formerly Twitter)

“Apparently not our social media team! They don't know how to behave.”

— Alex Anzalone, Linebacker (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

Anzalone's future with the Lions will be a key storyline to watch as free agency approaches in March 2026. The team and player will need to determine if they can reach a new long-term deal or if Anzalone will depart Detroit after 5 seasons.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance between players and a team's social media presence, and raises questions about Anzalone's relationship with the Lions organization as he enters free agency. The team will need to work to repair any fractured trust if they hope to retain the veteran linebacker beyond this season.