The Detroit Lions held their first open practice of OTAs on Friday and head coach Dan Campbell noted that two players were not in attendance.
We later found out those two key players are linebacker Alex Anzalone and center Frank Ragnow, and according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, both Anzalone and Ragnow are indeed seeking new contracts.
The good news is, Campbell doesn't sound concerned about either one and noted that the communication with Ragnow and Anzalone has been good.
“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, per Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit. “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).”
Anzalone is entering the final year of his contract and has publicly hinted he's looking for a new contract. His desire for one likely only increased after the team extended fellow linebacker Derrick Barnes, who is coming back from a significant injury.
The veteran linebacker is turning 31 this year, so a multi-year deal could be risky. However, Anzalone remains a hugely important piece to Detroit's defense and that was never more clear than when he returned from injury last season.
Ragnow's contract runs through 2026, but he's likely hoping for one last long-term deal as he turns 29. An elite center, Ragnow's current contract ranks fourth at his position, and third in annual average, per Over the Cap.
While it would make sense to extend both, it won't be easy. The Lions already have a lot of future money locked up in several key players, and Detroit has a looming Aidan Hutchinson extension to worry about.
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