With NFL free agency just weeks away, the Detroit Lions are facing uncertainty over the future of linebacker Alex Anzalone, who is set to become a free agent next month after five seasons in Detroit. Anzalone, a key contributor to the Lions’ defense, had hoped to negotiate a new contract last summer, but those talks did not come to fruition.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, discussions have intensified about Anzalone’s possible exit, as rumors connect him to the New York Jets. If he departs, the Lions will be tasked with finding an effective replacement to fill the versatile role he has played on the field.
Potential Successor in Zaire Franklin Draws Attention
One candidate the Lions could pursue is Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin, who might become available as the Colts work to clear cap space to re-sign key players like quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce. Letting Franklin go would save the Colts an estimated $5.8 million in salary cap space.
Franklin, turning 30 this summer, has established himself as a prolific tackler in Indianapolis, recording four consecutive seasons with more than 100 tackles since becoming a full-time starter in 2022. In the most recent campaign, Franklin compiled 125 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, five pass deflections, two sacks, and forced a fumble.
Despite his high tackle numbers, Franklin’s coverage abilities have raised concerns. Opposing quarterbacks completed 74.2% of their passes when targeting him, resulting in a career-high three touchdowns allowed and a 111.5 passer rating. These vulnerabilities in pass coverage have been exploited frequently by opposing offenses.
Pro Football Focus’ evaluation of Franklin’s performance reflects these struggles, assigning him an overall defensive grade of 38.4. His run defense received a score of 54.9, while his pass coverage was rated even lower at 29.9, suggesting significant room for improvement.
Although his leadership and tackling skills are valuable, the Colts might decide to move on from Franklin given his recent grades, an outcome that could benefit the Lions. However, comparing Franklin to Anzalone reveals some gaps; Anzalone’s Pro Football Focus grades stood at 65.6 for run defense and 65.3 for pass coverage, indicating a more reliable presence.
Matching Franklin with Detroit’s Current Linebackers
If Detroit signs Franklin, pairing him with established middle linebacker Jack Campbell, a standout performer, could help mitigate Franklin’s weaknesses and potentially bring out the best in him. In 2024, Franklin’s peak season, he earned Pro Bowl honors and Second-Team All-Pro recognition by producing 173 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six pass deflections, five forced fumbles, four quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions.
That year, Franklin was not only a dominant tackler but also a playmaker capable of generating turnovers, highlighting his value when at the top of his form. Should he regain that performance level, Franklin could be a valuable asset for Detroit’s linebacker corps.
Lions’ Defensive Plans Face Pressure as Offseason Approaches
As free agency nears, the Lions’ linebacker decisions will attract significant scrutiny amid other defensive priorities such as the defensive line and cornerback positions. The team must balance addressing immediate defensive needs with cap management, especially given the potential loss of a versatile player like Anzalone.
How Detroit approaches this offseason will be crucial not only for maintaining defensive stability but also for positioning the team for success in the coming years. The outcomes of these decisions will likely shape the Lions’ defensive identity as the 2026 season approaches.
