Dan Campbell Addresses Concerns Over Two Potential Lions Contract Holdouts: What This Means for the Team’s Future

On Friday, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell shared that only two out of the 90 players missed the Organized Team Activities (OTAs). These absences were noted for center Frank Ragnow and linebacker Alex Anzalone, who reportedly are both looking to secure new contracts, according to Dave Birkett from the Detroit Free Press.

Campbell isn’t worried about their absence for two main reasons. First, he emphasized strong communication with his players. He stated that he maintains good relationships with the team, which helps alleviate concerns.

He said, “Any player I talk to has an open line of communication. I won’t share what we discuss, but the conversations have been positive, so I’m not worried.”

In contrast, Bengals’ defensive end Trey Hendrickson expressed his frustration with the team’s leadership. After attending a team event, he told the media he felt disrespected. “Lack of communication leads to animosity,” Hendrickson remarked, highlighting a tricky situation that can arise without open dialogue.

The second reason Campbell is calm is that it’s still early in the offseason. Training camp is over a month away, and for Anzalone, skipping some of the activities isn’t unusual. He’s focused on training at home and family time right now.

“Look, it’s late May, not even June yet. Life is good, and we’ll be just fine,” Campbell noted confidently.

Anzalone is in the final year of his contract, set to earn a $6 million salary along with a $100,000 roster bonus, but neither is guaranteed. He ranks 29th among linebackers in terms of earnings, so long-term security is likely on his mind.

Ragnow, on the other hand, has two years remaining on his deal. His current salaries are $9.15 million and $11.9 million, but neither is guaranteed either. He only has a couple of workout bonuses left totaling $100,000 and a $750,000 roster bonus for 2026.

Statistics from recent surveys have shown that contract disputes are common across the league, often impacting team dynamics. For instance, a recent study found that nearly 60% of NFL players feel uncertain about their contract status at this time of year, echoing the sentiments expressed by both Ragnow and Anzalone.

In summary, while the early offseason can lead to speculation around player absences, it’s essential to remember the bigger picture: communication and timing are key. With more than a month before training camp opens, both the Lions and their players are working towards a common goal for the upcoming season.

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