Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone celebrates a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
Has a day gone bye over the past week or two so without somebody, somewhere suggesting the New York Jets sign soon-to-be free agent linebacker Alex Anzalone? The idea makes sense, given his history with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn now calling the defense as the Jets head coach, but that may not mean much.
If Anzalone prioritizes winning, and another club offers similar money, what would his motivation be to make the jump to Jersey?
For those Jets fans who have been around for a while, you’ll remember the 2004 offseason when future Hall of Fame safety John Lynch was let go by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Herm Edwards was Lynch’s position coach in Tampa and was now coaching the Jets. But their relationship ran much deeper than that.
The pair were so close that Lynch was the godfather Edwards’ son, Marcus. When Gang Green fans heard that nugget, many assumed Lynch was a sure thing. How in the world could he say no to his former position coach and close, personal friend off the filed. Well, those fans soon found out.
Lynch would snub Edwards and the Jets, opting instead to sign with the Denver Broncos, citing a desire to play “closer to home” as a California guy.
Adding Anzalone would be a gamble though. Not the type of gamble you get playing digital slot machines, but in the injury risk he comes with. Yes, Anzalone has appeared in at least fourteen games in four of his last six seasons, but he’ll be 32-years old in September and has a body that has battled several injuries dating back to his college days.
What are the odds a 32-year-old linebacker won’t start breaking down after injuries limited him to 24 games in four years in college before missing chunks of time at different points of his NFL career? Not sure the odds are great, but if Anzalone decides to join his old friend in Green and White on the turf at MetLife Stadium, nobody would blame Jets fans for holding their breath every time Alex Anzalone steps on the field.