Buccaneers' newest linebacker Alex Anzalone returns home as part of the 2026 free agency class. Anzalone attended the University of Florida and since his rookie season in 2017, has spent every offseason in Tampa with his family. He trained with current Bucs' nose tackle Vita Vea and safety Antoine Winfield Jr., bolstering each other's craftmanship. Anzalone officially signed with the Bucs on Thursday, arriving with his family.
"Happy to be here," said Anzalone. "This is our home. We feel passionate about the city and the organization now and going into my tenth year in the NFL, this is the first time I have had the family here at a signing so it is a cool day for us."
Over the previous five seasons, Anzalone has started 73 games for the Detroit Lions, accumulating 490 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 33 passes defensed and three interceptions. Anzalone recorded five-or-more tackles in 30-straight games (Week 1; 2022-Week 13; 2023), establishing the longest streak in Lions' franchise history since 2000. Notably, Anzalone posted a career-high 125 total tackles in 2022, his first 100-tackle season. Additionally, Anzalone was one-of-two NFL players with at least 125 tackles, 1.0 sack, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 2022, becoming the first Lion to post that statline in a season since Chris Spielman. Anzalone amassed 52 solo (95 total) tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2025 and one interception. He now joins Todd Bowles' defense and will be asked to fill a variety of roles, including pressuring the quarterback on blitzes.
"Following and watching film of Coach Bowles' defense from afar and talking to teammates that have played here under him and coaches who have coached with him and just seeing how I would be used is honestly exciting as a player," described Bowles. "I feel like I will fit like a glove here."
Known for his coverage ability, Anzalone was often tasked with covering running backs and tight ends in Detroit on various routes with hip fluidity and speed to stay stride-for-stride with backs on verticals. He is proficient at squeezing from zone to mitigate tight ends over the middle of the field and he has the quick diagnosis skills to navigate through traffic and meet backs in the hole for no gain. In Tampa Bay, he will have the opportunity to blitz and aid in run defense, not solely limited to the box.
