Lions Risk Losing Top Star to Bears Just Days After Surprising $72 Million Move
Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions DETROIT,MICHIGAN-November2: Punter Jack Fox 3 of the Detroit Lions kicks during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xAmyxLemusx originalFilename:lemus-chicagob251102_npen3.jpg
Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions DETROIT,MICHIGAN-November2: Punter Jack Fox 3 of the Detroit Lions kicks during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xAmyxLemusx originalFilename:lemus-chicagob251102_npen3.jpg
The Chicago Bears just made a major move to free up cap space. Now, they may be looking to raid a division rival. The Detroit Lions could be at risk of losing their defensive captain, Alex Anzalone, as the Bears search for a new linebacker, with a move that could be around $72 million.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, "To replace Tremaine Edmunds, Alex Anzalone is a name to watch. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was with him in New Orleans and he’s good in coverage. At safety, my sense is the Bears will attempt to re-sign Kevin Byard III over the weekend but will let Jaquan Brisker walk."
Since 2017, he has recorded 613 total tackles, 13 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and successfully defended 36 passes. At 6’3’’ and weighing over 241 lbs, Anzalone is known for his size and 74 athleticism score, fitting perfectly in his defensive role. And he can fit in perfectly for the Bears.
Just before the 11 March deadline, the Bears released Tremaine Edmunds, clearing $15 million in salary cap space. When combined with the $16.5 million cap space gained from WR DJ Moore’s release, the Bears have gained massive financial flexibility for free agency.
With Tremaine released, the Bears have to fill the starting linebacker spot opposite T.J. Edwards. Other than Alex, the Chicago Bears are expected to explore more options in free agency, which includes Leo Chenal, Bobby Okereke, etc.
But before we talk about a trade, does Alex want to move?
Anzalone's January Update
Speaking to 97.1 The Ticket, Anzalone hinted at wanting to stay for the Detroit Lions in the future.
"I know that had been an issue in years past, for one reason or another. But growing up, my dad would always say that you want a place to be better if you were there than if you weren’t, and leave it better than how you found it, so I feel like that’s my legacy...."
"You don’t really know until you get in it and until that tampering period starts, because I’ve been through free agency before and you don’t really know, until some numbers start flying around."
Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!
Written by
Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar