The Detroit Lions lost the leader of their defense when Alex Anzalone signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now Detroit must replace their defensive signal-caller. Could one of these three linebackers be the answer?
Free agency is officially underway, and the Detroit Lions have already lost a key piece of their defense. Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone has signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leaving Detroit with a significant hole in the middle of its defense.
Anzalone was more than just a starting linebacker for Detroit — he was the defensive signal-caller and a leader in the locker room. His ability to diagnose plays, communicate adjustments and rack up tackles made him one of the most important players in the Lions’ defensive front seven. Now the Lions must find someone capable of stepping into that role.
While the team could look to the draft, free agency offers a few intriguing options who could potentially replace Anzalone’s production and leadership. Here are three linebackers who could make sense for Detroit.
Devin Bush
One intriguing option is Devin Bush, a former standout at the University of Michigan who is still just 27 years old. Bush entered the NFL as a first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 and made an immediate impact early in his career.
During his rookie season, Bush recorded 109 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries and an interception while starting 15 games. He quickly established himself as a fast, sideline-to-sideline linebacker capable of making plays in both the run and pass game.
Bush’s career was briefly derailed by a torn ACL in 2020, but he has continued to carve out a role in the league. Over his NFL career, Bush has accumulated more than 450 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks and several takeaways across multiple seasons.
For the Lions, Bush’s athleticism could make him an intriguing replacement for Anzalone. Detroit’s defense relies heavily on linebackers who can pursue plays quickly and cover in space, and Bush’s speed could allow him to thrive behind Detroit’s defensive line. While he may not immediately replicate Anzalone’s leadership, his playmaking ability and familiarity with Michigan football could make him an appealing option.
Leo Chenal
Another potential target is Leo Chenal of the Kansas City Chiefs. Chenal has spent the early portion of his career as part of one of the league’s most successful defenses and has developed into a physical run-stopping linebacker.
Since entering the NFL in 2022, Chenal has played in more than 50 games and has steadily increased his role in Kansas City’s defensive rotation. Over that span he has recorded roughly 120 tackles, several tackles for loss and multiple sacks while also contributing on special teams.
Chenal’s biggest strength is his physicality against the run. At around 250 pounds, he is built to take on blockers and fill running lanes — something the Lions value in their defensive scheme. Detroit’s defense has prioritized stopping the run first, and Chenal’s downhill style would fit well behind the Lions’ defensive line.
While Chenal may not offer the same range in coverage as Anzalone, he could help stabilize the middle of the defense and provide a tone-setting presence against opposing rushing attacks.
Bobby Okereke
The most experienced option of the group is Bobby Okereke of the New York Giants. Okereke has quietly been one of the most productive linebackers in the NFL over the past several seasons.
Since entering the league with the Indianapolis Colts in 2019, Okereke has developed into a tackling machine. Over his career he has recorded more than 600 total tackles, along with multiple sacks, forced fumbles and interceptions.
Okereke’s 2023 season with the Giants was particularly impressive, as he finished with over 140 tackles while playing nearly every defensive snap. His ability to stay on the field in all situations — run defense, pass coverage and blitz packages — makes him one of the most complete linebackers potentially available.
For Detroit, Okereke would likely be the closest direct replacement for Anzalone. Like Anzalone, he is capable of wearing the defensive headset, organizing the defense and serving as the centerpiece of the linebacker unit. His tackling consistency and durability would give the Lions a reliable presence in the middle of the field.
Losing Anzalone creates a significant challenge for Detroit’s defense, but it also opens the door for the team to explore new options at linebacker. Whether the Lions choose a younger, athletic player like Bush, a physical run defender like Chenal or a proven tackling leader like Okereke, they have several potential paths to filling one of their most important defensive positions.