Detroit Lions' edge-rushing plan won't include Al-Quadin Muhammad after defender reaches agreement with Tampa Bay
Allen Park — The Detroit Lions have a glaring need for edge defenders, but the team’s 2026 plan won’t involve Al-Quadin Muhammad. After racking up a career-high 11.0 sacks for the Lions last season, the defender is signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The one-year deal will be worth up to $6 million, according to multiple reports.
Muhammad, who will turn 31 this month, spent much of the past two seasons with the Lions. Serving as an injury replacement on a depleted unit in 2024, he showed promising flashes of production in limited snaps.
He re-signed with the club last offseason, on a modest one-year deal, before exploding in an expanded role. Following the release of Za’Darius Smith and an injury to Marcus Davenport, Muhammad found more consistent playing time, delivering 11.0 sacks and 53 pressures, both easily career-highs.
Muhammad is the second Lions defender to sign with the Buccaneers this offseason, following linebacker Alex Anzalone.
The departure maintains a massive void on Detroit’s roster, with only two designated edge rushers in the fold. Returning from last season are All-Pro Aidan Hutchinson and 2024 sixth-round pick Ahmed Hassanein, who spent half his rookie season recovering from injury and the other half on the practice squad.
I gotta be honest, I don’t think he was good last year. He had good games and then he’d go MIA for a couple weeks. I’m guessing in Tampa he will be a DPR and I wish him well but Detroit needs an every down DE. Someone teams have to respect, who will take some heat of Hutchinson
I've spent the last couple of days making fun of Lions fans who had already concluded-by Tuesday in some cases- that the Lions were losing the free agent season. But I have to admit I'm feeling a little uneasy with all the departures and nothing much coming back yet. We don't have enough draft picks this year to fill the holes on this team. But, I'm making no conclusions and trusting the process for now.