The Detroit Lions are adding to their linebackers room amid the uncertainty surrounding star defender Alex Anzalone.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Lions are signing linebacker Zach Cunningham. The length and financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Cunningham last played for the Denver Broncos in 2024, when he appeared in seven games (no starts). He has also spent time with the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles.
Cunningham was a standout defender during his days with the Texans, where he posted three seasons with 100-plus tackles, which helped him land a $58 million contract.
But things have gone downhill for him since then. The 30-year-old, who shines as a run defender but is not good in coverage, struggled in all three of his previous stops since being cut by Houston during the 2021 campaign.
The addition of Cunningham comes amid the uncertainty surrounding Anzalone, who has not been present during the team’s voluntary workouts.
It is possible Anzalone’s absence isn’t related to his contract, but there is reason to believe it is, as the Lions defender has strongly hinted he wants a new deal as he enters the final year of his current one.
“Me and Alex are all good,” Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said earlier this month, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I have zero concern. That player is a leader here and he’s been a leader here, he’s been an intricate piece in building the culture that’s here and I’m going to pay the respect that he’s earned and that he’s due, and whatever his private situations are, I’ll let Alex address those when he’s face-to-face with you all.”
The situation with Anzalone certainly bears monitoring. He’s a key piece to the Lions’ defense, something we were reminded of upon his return from injury last season.
With Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez, the Lions have one of the deepest linebacker rooms in the NFL, which means Cunningham is anything but a lock to make the roster.
