Dan Campbell not worried about Ragnow, Anzalone missing the Lions OTAs

The Detroit Lions are holding voluntary OTAs this week, and Friday marked the first opportunity for the media to observe practice. We also got to talk with head coach Dan Campbell prior to the afternoon session.

Before fielding questions, Campbell preemptively noted that not every Lions veteran is in attendance for the OTAs.

"We only have two guys who aren't here right now," Campbell stated. "I know who they are, I know where they are. I talked to them and we're all good."

The two, whom Campbell did not name, are linebacker Alex Anzalone and center Frank Ragnow. Both are away from the team with perceived contractual desires, though that has not explicitly been stated by either player.

Ragnow was the highest-paid center in the NFL when he signed his contract extension back in 2021, but that deal runs out after 2026. Ragnow is now fourth in the center pecking order in terms of average annual salary, and none of his salary in 2025 or 2026 is guaranteed. The 29-year-old Ragnow remains an elite pivot.

Anzalone, now 31, is entering the final year of his three-year, $18.75 million contract, with the 2026 season being a void year on the deal. He's due $6 million in 2025 but none of that salary is guaranteed.

With the OTAs being voluntary, there is no issue with either missing the workouts. Campbell made that very clear in his comments. The first mandatory activities aren't until training camp, which will kick off in July. The mandatory minicamp slated for early June has been canceled due to the Lions' inclusion in the Hall of Fame game.

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Anzalone and Ragnow skipping Lions OTAs, Dan Campbell not worried