The top three linebacker spots are set for the Detroit Lions. Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes are manning the positions. As far as their reserves? Training camp will sort out that battle.
Among those in the mix is veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham, who signed as a free agent back in May with the Lions after spending the 2024 season with the Denver Broncos.
Head coach Dan Campbell was asked Monday about the veteran Cunningham and what he needs to do to make the 53-man roster.
“He knows he’s got a great opportunity,” Campbell said. “I mean, this is, ‘Whatever you can do here man, it’s up to you whether you can help us on defense or even special teams.’ He’s out there working with us on punt team and he’ll be on all these units too. He’s played football, he’s played in this League, he’s a very good athlete, he’s pretty instinctive, smart guy, so he’s fluid.”
Campbell continued, “Man, sometimes it’s effortless, he’s a fluid mover. We do so much stuff in the pass game because it’s really all you can do in the spring, but some of his cover skills, cover ability, watching him match – couple of routes he had on (Lions TE Sam) LaPorta that he did a pretty good job of in the spring. So there’s an element that he bring, an athletic element that we like. We’re intrigued. We’re intrigued and he knows this is a great opportunity for him, so we’ll see.”
Cunningham is competing with Trevor Nowaske, fellow free-agent addition Grant Stuard, Anthony Pittman, Ezekiel Turner and DaRon Gilbert for spots on the roster. Malcolm Rodriguez is on the active/PUP list as he recovers from his torn ACL from last November and could be out until at least mid-season.
Cunningham appeared in seven games last season for the Broncos. He started ten games in 2023 for the Philadelphia Eagles, posting 85 tackles and a fumble recovery. For his career, he has played in 102 games with 86 starts, posting 570 tackles, 6.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries. He also has played for the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans.
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Dan Campbell on LB Zach Cunningham: ‘He knows he’s got a great opportunity” in Detroit
Reporting by Billy Riccette, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
