The Chicago Bears won the NFC North for the first time since 2018 last season, but the challenge is just beginning. After watching the Bears go from worst to first, the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings will all enter the offseason chasing Chicago in hopes of knocking the Bears from the top of the mountain next fall.
In other words, the Bears could use all the help they can get, and they may have received it from Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone.
Anzalone is set to become a free agent this offseason, but may have burned his bridge back to Detroit following a social media post. In the now-deleted post on his X account, Anzalone commented on a video highlighting some of the Lions’ best pass breakups from last season, lamenting that he didn’t make the cut.
“Had a career high (9 PDs) and not one made it,” the post read. “And other free agents were on the vid too.”
The rolling eyes emoji made Anzalone’s feelings known entering free agency and may have been a signal that the Bears won’t have to worry about a player that has been a big part of the Lions’ success.
Alex Anzalone’s Imminent Departure Is Music to the Bears' Ears
Anzalone has been an impact player for the Lions after following Dan Campbell from the New Orleans Saints to Detroit in 2021. Over five seasons, Anzalone has led Lions linebackers with 306 total tackles, 9.0 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, and 32 quarterback hits. He also has a pair of seasons with over 125 total tackles (2022 and 2023) and had a gritty effort in 2024, returning from a broken forearm to aid a run to the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
While the partnership has worked well, it soured over the past year. Anzalone was seeking a new contract from the Lions entering the final year of a three-year, $18.75 million extension signed in 2023, but the Lions extended Derrick Barnes last season, and Detroit could reach deals with Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez this offseason. With those on the horizon, Anzalone was the odd man out and seemed to take out some frustration in Sunday’s social media post.
Of course, this is all great news for the Bears. While Anzalone has been getting older, Barnes doesn’t appear to be a strong replacement, logging a 61.5 overall grade from PFF and allowing a 112.4 passer rating in coverage last season. Detroit has also had perennial injury concerns during its current championship window, meaning losing Anzalone is a brutal blow to the team’s depth.
With the Lions also overhauling their offensive coaching staff, the Bears will take any advantage they can get after dropping both meetings to Detroit last year. For now, it appears that Anazalone’s departure will be on that list and help Chicago in its quest for another division title in 2026.