Sportsnaut
While every year is a challenge, the Detroit Lions have an especially tough road ahead. Not only are they set to face what projects as the NFL’s second-toughest schedule, they’ll have to do so with an overhauled coaching staff featuring new coordinators and playcallers on both sides of the ball.
Though, a series of coaching changes won’t dampen expectations for a team that finished with the NFC’s top seed in the playoff race last year. It also doesn’t hurt that the Lions have shown they can win 15 games, even with a roster depleted by injuries on defense.
While they fell short of their ultimate goal, some of the Lions’ players feel they deserve a bigger piece of the pie based on what they’ve already accomplished. Count starting linebacker Alex Anzalone among that group.
“I want to retire a Lion. I want that opportunity. That’s how I feel,” Anzalone said. “I’m disappointed. Let’s just say that. Disappointed.”
Speaking earlier this week, Anzalone, who has been lobbying for a new contract that offers more than the $6 million salary he’s set to earn this year, admitted to being “disappointed” with the Lions’ front office. He’s also entering the final year of his contract and rightfully feels he’s shown enough to earn a better deal.
We’ll find out soon enough whether the Lions agree, but they may have already played their hand by arriving at camp without a better offer in hand for Anzalone.
Related: Former All-Pro Publicly Calls Detroit Lions’ Penei Sewell Overrated
More must-reads:
