NFL Analyst Names Perfect Landing Spot for Lions LB Alex Anzalone

ESPN's Matt Bowen believes Anzalone's skills would be a great fit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Todd Bowles' defense.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 1:15am

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NFL analyst Matt Bowen believes that veteran Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone would be an ideal free agent signing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bowen cites Anzalone's strengths in run defense, blitzing, and communication as a good match for Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles' pressure-heavy defensive scheme. While the Lions have valued Anzalone's leadership and production, they may not be able to prioritize re-signing him due to salary cap constraints as they look to get younger on defense.

Why it matters

Anzalone has been a steady, reliable presence in the middle of the Lions' defense for the past five seasons, but with the team facing tough salary cap decisions, his future in Detroit is uncertain. If he departs, the Lions would lose an experienced, communicative linebacker who has embodied the team's culture shift under head coach Dan Campbell.

The details

Anzalone, 31, has been a consistent performer for the Lions, averaging nearly 100 tackles per season while playing on team-friendly contracts around $6 million annually. However, with the Lions looking to get younger on defense and manage a tight salary cap, bringing Anzalone back is no longer a lock. ESPN analyst Matt Bowen believes Anzalone's skills would be an ideal fit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose defense under Todd Bowles relies heavily on instinctive, downhill linebackers who excel at run defense, blitzing, and pre-snap communication - all areas where Anzalone thrives.

  • Anzalone has been a fixture in the middle of Detroit's defense for five seasons.
  • Anzalone is set to become a free agent in the 2023 offseason.

The players

Alex Anzalone

A 31-year-old linebacker who has been a consistent performer for the Detroit Lions over the past five seasons.

Todd Bowles

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose defensive scheme emphasizes instinctive, downhill linebackers.

Matt Bowen

An NFL analyst for ESPN who believes Anzalone would be an ideal fit for the Buccaneers' defense.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who has overseen a culture shift within the organization.

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What they’re saying

“Anzalone is 'quick to key the run' and fits seamlessly into Bowles' pressure-heavy approach, where linebackers are often asked to blitz, stunt, and communicate pre-snap.”

— Matt Bowen, NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Lions will have to decide whether to re-sign Anzalone or let him test free agency, where he could potentially land with the Buccaneers or another linebacker-needy team.

The takeaway

While the loss of Anzalone's leadership and production would be a blow to the Lions' defense, the team may not be able to prioritize re-signing him due to salary cap constraints. If he does depart, his skills could make him an ideal fit with the Buccaneers, whose defensive scheme under Todd Bowles aligns well with Anzalone's strengths.