Of the Detroit Lions’ pending free agents, linebacker Alex Anzalone is one of the first names the franchise would seemingly want to keep.

Anzalone has been a cornerstone of the Lions‘ defense, starting 73 games over the past five seasons. The 6-foot-3, 234-pound linebacker has racked up 490 tackles, 32 quarterback hits, 26 tackles for loss, and nine sacks during his time in the Motor City.

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While Detroit would like to get Anzalone back, one report from Essentially Sports’ Tony Pauline indicates that Anzalone could be leaning toward a free agency exit and a reunion with former Lions defensive coordinator and now-New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn in The Meadowlands.

Pauline has been down at the East-West Shrine Bowl where he is reporting the potential Anzalone intel.

Talk of Lions players following Aaron Glenn to New York isn’t new, but word in Frisco says the odds are high that Anzalone, the nine-year veteran who will become a free agent in March, will be playing for the Jets in 2026.

Anzalone is not expected to return to Detroit, and he’s close with “AG” and wants to reunite with his former defensive coordinator. A reunion is more likely, given the Jets’ need at linebacker, as Anzalone brings the talent, leadership, and intensity the team needs at the position.

Is Anzalone concerned Glenn may be on thin ice in New York?

I’m told the answer is no, as the 31-year-old is closing out his career and really isn’t looking long-term. – Tony Pauline, Essentially Sports

A reunion with Glenn would make sense, especially if the Jets are willing to offer more in free agency than the Lions. But, Anzalone also recently hinted at a Lions return.

Anzalone had a pair of 100-plus tackle seasons in 2022 and 2023. The Florida alum registered 95 tackles, nine passes defended, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one interception in 2025.

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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Report indicates Lions LB could be eyeing reunion on New York Jets