Grading the signing: Sneaky detail surrounding Alex Anzalone’s deal with Bucs makes it even sweeter than it already is
Anzalone clearly had a desire to play in Tampa Bay.
Linebacker was a clear and obvious need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and it was basically guaranteed Jason Licht and Todd Bowles would find a veteran starter in free agency.
Sure enough, that happened within the first couple hours of the two day negotiating period ahead of free agency: The Bucs have agreed with former Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone on a two-year, $17 million deal.
Anzalone immediately steps in and takes over for either SirVocea Dennis or Lavonte David and he’s a guy who can do it all, which is exactly what the Buccaneers need. Far too many times they were torched over the middle of the field due to deficiencies at the position and the defense really suffered as a result.
“Right off the bat, you have to know that the Lions didn’t part ways with one of their team captains because he got bad at football; they moved off of him because the young guys around him just kept getting better, and they wanted to get younger at the Will linebacker spot where Anzalone has been playing for the last five years.
The Buccaneers are getting a linebacker who is proficient in coverage, has some good pass-rush ability, and is a leader. This is a steal.” – A to Z Detroit’s Mike Payton
The term “steal” applies in two different ways, however. Not only did the Buccaneers get a good player at a good price, but Anzalone also made a clutch decision that makes the deal even sweeter.
Alex Anzalone turned down more money to play for the Buccaneers
Granted, the Bucs play in Florida which doesn’t have a state income tax. That allows high-income earners to make even more money because wages aren’t taxed. That certainly played a role in Anzalone’s decision, but it’s also clear the Buccaneers provide a good opportunity for him.
One team that was in the mix was the New York Giants, which is currently a bottom-feeder despite John Harbaugh’s presence. The details of the Giants’ proposed deal are unclear, but it’s clear as day the Buccaneers are a better team and it makes all the sense in the world for Anzalone to want to play for a competitive team after the success he had in Detroit.
Alex Anzalone’s career stats
- Total tackles: 613
- Sacks: 13.0
- Interceptions: 4
- Tackles for loss: 34
- QB hits: 40
- Forced fumbles: 3
- Games: 111
Anzalone is entering his age-31 season, but still showed plenty of pop and quickness in 2025. He now allows the Buccaneers to pour more focus and resources into the EDGE position, which is just as big a priority as the linebacker position.
Final Grade: B+
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