Pride of Detroit
Frank Ragnow and Alex Anzalone are reportedly looking for new contracts, but Lions coach Dan Campbell isn’t worried.
On Friday, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell revealed that only two of the team’s 90 players were not present for team Organized Team Activities. After cross-checking his list of 21 players limited or not participating in on-field practices with our own attendance taking, it became clear the two players not at Allen Park were center Frank Ragnow and linebacker Alex Anzalone. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, both Ragnow and Anzalone have “hopes of landing new contracts.”
But Campbell is not concerned at all—and for two reasons. For one, the line of communication has been strong between everyone.
“I think what’s great is that any player that I talk to, I have a relationship with, and there’s an open line of communication,” Campbell said. “Whatever I say to those players, I’m not going to say to you guys. I never will. There’s communication that has been great, so I’m not (worried).”
Compare that answer with what the Bengals are dealing with defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The defensive end showed up to the team’s offseason program just to tell media that he feels disrespected by the Bengals organization.
“I think over the last week or so it’s become personal, unfortunately,” Hendrickson said. “And when there’s a lack of communication in any relationship, whether it’s a business or personal relationship, lack of communication leads to animosity, and that leaves my narrative only to me with no clear direction.”
The other reason Campbell is not concerned is simple: it’s May. There’s still more than a month before training camp begins, and for players like Anzalone, his absence is not irregular. He skipped out on that portion of the offseason to train at home and be with family.
“Listen, I’m not worried about anything. I know this, we’re in late May. Is it even June yet? I don’t even—we’re not even in June. So, life’s good. We’re going to be just fine,” Campbell said.
Anzalone is entering the final year of his contract. He’s due for a $6 million salary bonus and $100,000 roster bonus this year, with neither guaranteed. That $6.1 million in total earnings ranks 29th among linebackers. Obviously, Anzalone would likely want some long-term security, as well.
As for Ragnow, he does have two more years under contract, and he’s got decent salaries of $9.15 million (sixth in total cash commitments) and $11.9 million (third) on the books, but he, too, has none of that money guaranteed. The only bonuses left on his contract are a pair of workout bonuses of $100,00 and a roster bonus in 2026 of $750,000.
