The Detroit Lions have found themselves under fire after reportedly asking retiring center Frank Ragnow to return part of his signing bonus. This move quickly raised eyebrows across the league, especially for one former Detroit player.

Former Lion Alex Anzalone, who shared the locker room with Ragnow, took to social media with a blunt response, calling out the situation and making his stance clear without hesitation.

"Played through fractured throat, one week post meniscus clean up w/ stitches barely out, inoperable/unrepairable toe, etc.. “Hey let me get that prorated signing bonus back” 😂😂😂" Anzalone posted on X.

The Detroit Lions team president, Rod Wood, confirmed the franchise is set to recoup roughly $3 million from Frank Ragnow’s signing bonus following his retirement.

The move, tied to his 2021 extension, follows standard CBA practice and mirrors past cases involving franchise icons like Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, even as it continues to draw criticism.

That reaction only grows louder when you consider what Ragnow meant on the field. A four-time Pro Bowler who started 96 games in seven years, he anchored a Lions offense that led the league in rushing across 2023 and 2024.

Frank Ragnow and Alex Anzalone actually shared the locker room for five seasons from 2021 to 2025. Anzalone arrived in Detroit in March 2021, while Ragnow remained a cornerstone until his retirement, later attempting a brief comeback that ended after a failed physical.

Eventually, Anzalone’s exit also came this year. While Ragnow stepped away in June 2025, Anzalone’s move to Tampa Bay came later in March 2026, via free agency.

The Buccaneers are Betting Big on Anzalone's Leadership

Anzalone learned about a winning culture through his five seasons with the Detroit team. All five years were winning records for the team with a dominant 15-2 season in 2024.

Still only 31, Anzalone has produced at least 60 combined tackles in each of his last five seasons, featuring in at least 10 games every year.

Now Tampa Bay is betting that same experience, that same edge, is precisely what their struggling defense has been missing.

"It was just a team decision that we made, and we feel really good about it," Anzalone said about joining the Buccaneers.

Anzalone brings leadership skills that could energize the Tampa defense players and help them get back to their playoff ways.

Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote