Detroit Lions Brace for Free Agency Shakeup

Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone linked to former Lions coordinators as team faces tough cap decisions

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Detroit Lions are facing an uncertain free agency period as they look to retool their roster for the 2026 season. Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone, a former team captain, is expected to depart with the Bears and Jets among his potential suitors. The Lions have already made some moves to free up salary cap space, including releasing offensive lineman Graham Glasgow and Taylor Decker, as well as trading running back David Montgomery. The team has the ability to restructure larger contracts to create more spending power, but their plans remain largely under wraps as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.

Why it matters

The Lions' free agency decisions will be crucial in determining the team's direction as they look to return to contention in the NFC North. Losing a veteran leader like Anzalone would be a blow, but the team has the means to be active in free agency if they choose to do so. How they navigate this offseason could set the tone for the franchise's future.

The details

Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone is expected to depart the Lions in free agency, with the Bears and Jets emerging as potential landing spots. Anzalone had a tumultuous 2025 season that included a contract dispute, but he remained a defensive captain. The Lions have already made some roster moves to free up cap space, including releasing offensive linemen Graham Glasgow and Taylor Decker, as well as trading running back David Montgomery. The team can create even more spending power by restructuring larger contracts like those of quarterback Jared Goff, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and offensive tackle Penei Sewell.

  • NFL free agency begins on Monday, March 18, 2026 with the legal tampering period.
  • The Lions released offensive lineman Graham Glasgow and Taylor Decker on Friday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Alex Anzalone

A veteran linebacker who served as a defensive captain for the Lions. He is expected to depart the team in free agency, with the Bears and Jets emerging as potential landing spots.

Ben Johnson

The current head coach of the Chicago Bears, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Lions.

Aaron Glenn

The current head coach of the New York Jets, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Lions.

Tremaine Edmunds

A linebacker who was recently released by the Bears, creating a need at the position that Anzalone could potentially fill.

Taylor Decker

A longtime offensive lineman for the Lions who requested his release from the team on Friday, March 15, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.