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Buccaneers' Alex Anzalone: Agrees to two-year deal with Bucs
Rotowire
Anzalone (concussion) agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract with the Buccaneers on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Anzalone's deal can be made official when the new league year begins Wednesday. He has recovered from a concussion that sidelined him down the stretch in 2025. The 31-year-old linebacker had 95 tackles in 16 games for the Lions prior to the injury in 2025, and he notched 490 tackles across five regular seasons in Detroit after posting only 123 tackles in his first four NFL regular seasons with the Saints.
Anzalone (concussion/personal) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears.
Anzalone was able to upgrade to a limited participant Thursday before once again downgrading to a non-participant in Friday's practice, as a personal status was also added to the report. Malcolm Rodriguez and Grant Stuard will likely see an increased snap share at outside linebacker in the starter's absence. Between the linebacker experiencing private troubles, working his way back from the concussion, and the Lions being eliminated from playoff contention, it seems the team determined it best to end the 31-year-old's season a game early. Anzalone finishes the 2025 campaign with 95 tackles (52 solo), including 2.5 sacks, and nine passes defensed (including one interception) over 16 games.
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Lions' Alex Anzalone: Upgrades to limited
Rotowire
Anzalone (concussion) was limited in Thursday's practice.
Anzalone was listed as DNP on Wednesday, so his limited session is an upgrade after the veteran linebacker was concussed on Christmas Day against the Vikings. If Anzalone isn't cleared for Sunday's game against the Bears, Malcolm Rodriguez would likely draw the start.
Anzalone suffered a concussion against the Vikings on Christmas Day. To have any chance of playing in Sunday's season finale against Chicago, he'll need to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. If Anzalone can't suit up for that contest, Malcolm Rodriguez will likely get a start at linebacker for the Lions.
Anzalone has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's contest against the Vikings after suffering a concussion.
Anzalone took a blow to the head in the second half, ultimately suffering a concussion. In his absence, Malcolm Rodriguez will continue to operate in a more significant role at linebacker versus Minnesota.
