After Alex Anzalone suffered a wrist injury, the Detroit Lions’ defensive depth suffered, and there is rising conjecture on the team’s alternatives for replacing him for the rest of the season. Anzalone was a key member of the Lions’ defense and his absence will be felt. He is anticipated to miss the remainder of the regular season due to a broken wrist. The Lions should now investigate the free-agent market, according to several observers, with one recommendation in particular: signing David Long, a former linebacker for the Miami Dolphins.
The Sporting News’ Mike Moraitis believes the Lions ought to give David Long serious consideration in order to help cover Anzalone’s absence. After having difficulties with the team, Long was waived by the Dolphins in the last year of his two-year, $11 million deal. Long has a number of attributes that could help the Lions’ defense even though he left Miami.
Long has a track record of success; prior to losing favor, he started all 17 of the Dolphins’ games in 2023 and six of eight in 2024. He established himself as a hard-hitting, aggressive linebacker with remarkable sideline-to-sideline speed and a talent for rushing the passer after being selected in the sixth round by the Tennessee Titans in 2019. Long’s ability to defend the run and create plays below the line of scrimmage would provide the Lions’ defense a physical component, even though he isn’t known for his coverage abilities.
The Argument in Favor of a Scenery Change
According to Kyle Crabbs of the Locked on Dolphins Podcast, the Dolphins released David Long for a number of reasons. His final decline in popularity was caused by a hamstring injury and a loss of starting responsibilities as a result of a decline in run defense. Nevertheless, a team like the Lions, who might use his energy and aggression on the field, would find Long to be an attractive choice due to his skill and aggressive attitude. A change of environment might be exactly what Long needs, according to Moraitis. He notes that Long might find new success playing on a team with a winning culture and that his style might fit in nicely with the Lions’ aggressive defensive unit. Long may flourish in Detroit’s system and provide instant assistance to a defense that has been playing well, especially considering the Lions’ success this season and head coach Dan Campbell’s leadership.
A Wise Step to Take Into Account
It makes sense for the Lions to think about adding Anzalone to their roster given his background and the present void created by him. This might be a good moment to strengthen the linebacker corps and make sure they stay competitive given the team’s hopes of winning the Super Bowl. Given the Lions’ culture and coaching staff, Long might be a low-risk, high-reward recruit who quickly settles in and proves useful in the closing stages.
