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Tag: Al-Quadin Muhammad

  • Predicting Where Al-Quadin Muhammad Will Play in 2026

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    Al-Quadin Muhammad quietly put together one of the most productive seasons of his NFL career in 2025, and it came in a role that didn’t even guarantee him a starting spot.

    Now, as free agency approaches, the question isn’t whether Muhammad earned himself a market. It’s where that market will be strongest.

    A Sneaky-Productive Year in Detroit

    Muhammad finished the 2025 season with 11 sacks, the most of any impending free agent edge defender. What makes that number even more impressive is how he got there.

    • He did it off the bench
    • He did it as a rotational pass rusher
    • He did it without being the focal point of the defensive front

    According to PFF, Muhammad posted:

    • 74.3 overall defensive grade
    • 71.9 pass-rush grade
    • 53 total pressures
    • 12 sacks (top-10 among edge defenders)

    That production stands out, especially for a player who has largely flown under the radar throughout his career.

    Why Teams Will Be Interested — and Why Detroit Might Not Pay

    Muhammad has shown flashes before, notably with six sacks for Indianapolis in 2021, but consistency has never defined his career. Detroit’s defensive scheme allowed him to thrive as a situational weapon rather than a full-time edge, and that context matters.

    For the Lions, the decision is complicated:

    • Muhammad is entering his 30s
    • Detroit already has significant money tied up along the defensive front
    • Paying starter-level money for a rotational edge may not align with Brad Holmes’ long-term cap strategy

    That opens the door for a team with more cap flexibility and a specific pass-rush need.

    Why the Jets Make Sense

    If Muhammad doesn’t return to Detroit, the New York Jets stand out as a logical destination.

    • Aaron Glenn knows exactly how to deploy him
    • The Jets have far more cap space
    • They need edge production without committing to elite-tier money

    A deal in the $7–8 million per year range feels realistic, a price Detroit may not be willing to match, but one New York could justify if Muhammad is viewed as a high-impact rotational disruptor rather than a traditional every-down edge.

    Final Prediction

    Muhammad’s 2025 tape changed how teams view him. While Detroit helped unlock his best season, the economics may push him elsewhere.

    Prediction: Al-Quadin Muhammad signs with the New York Jets.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • 3 Players the Detroit Lions COULD Use the Franchise Tag on in 2026

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    Every offseason, the same question pops up around the NFL: Who’s getting franchise-tagged? And for the Detroit Lions, it’s a fair thing to wonder, especially with several familiar veterans headed toward free agency.

    But when you dig into the numbers and the context, it becomes pretty clear why the franchise tag is more theory than reality for Detroit this year.

    The Lions Do Have Tag-Eligible Veterans

    If general manager Brad Holmes wanted to use the franchise tag, he wouldn’t be short on candidates. Three veterans from the 2025 roster stand out as logical possibilities based on role and experience:

    • Defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad
    • Linebacker Alex Anzalone
    • Defensive tackle D.J. Reader

    All three played meaningful roles for Detroit and all three are set to hit the open market. In a vacuum, keeping any — or all — of them would make the roster better.

    That’s where the vacuum ends.

    The Franchise Tag Comes With a Catch

    The problem isn’t player value, it’s price.

    The franchise (and transition) tag doesn’t care what a player’s true market value is. It automatically bumps them into the upper tier of salaries at their position, which means a massive raise compared to what each of these players is projected to earn in free agency.

    For a team swimming in cap space, that’s manageable.
    For the Lions? Not so much.

    Detroit is currently projected to be over the cap heading into the 2026 offseason. That reality alone makes the franchise tag a tough sell.

    Using it would require additional moves just to get compliant — and then you’re still committing top-of-market money to a player whose expected free-agent deal likely comes in much lower.

    Why Holmes Is Unlikely to Overpay

    Brad Holmes has been consistent since arriving in Detroit: he doesn’t overextend financially just to keep a name around.

    Tagging Muhammad, Anzalone, or Reader would almost certainly qualify as a MAJOR overpay relative to their expected contracts. Even though each player brings value, the cost of the tag would limit flexibility elsewhere — and Detroit has bigger-picture decisions to make across the roster.

    This is especially true with younger players approaching extension windows and premium positions still needing attention.

    Smart Cap Management Over Splashy Moves

    Could the Lions technically use the franchise tag? Sure.

    Will they? Almost certainly not.

    Detroit’s approach is more likely to involve:

    • Letting the market set prices
    • Negotiating team-friendly deals where possible
    • Being willing to move on when the numbers stop making sense

    It’s not flashy, but it’s exactly how this front office has helped turn the Lions into a perennial contender.

    In short: don’t expect a franchise-tag headline out of Allen Park this spring. The math — and the philosophy — just doesn’t support it.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Detroit Lions Crystal Ball: Will Al-Quadin Muhammad Be a Lion in 2026?

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    As the Detroit Lions look ahead to the 2026 season, one of the most fascinating contract questions involves a player who wasn’t even expected to be a centerpiece: EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad. After delivering the best season of his eight-year career in 2025, Muhammad has suddenly become one of the most valuable, and potentially expensive, defenders on Detroit’s roster.

    At 30 years old (turning 31 before the 2026 season), Muhammad is coming off a year that likely changed how the league views him, and that puts the Lions in a familiar spot: wanting to keep a proven contributor, but possibly being priced out by the open market.

    Muhammad’s Breakout 2025 Season

    Muhammad’s 2025 production was elite, especially considering his role:

    • 11 sacks
    • 59 total pressures
    • Played only 40% of defensive snaps

    That snap share was the lowest since his rookie season, yet his impact was massive. When Detroit’s defensive line was healthy, Muhammad was deployed almost exclusively as a designated pass-rush specialist, and he made every snap count. In fact, he racked up 11 sacks and 59 pressures on the season.

    Why His Role Still Fits in 2026

    Even at 30, Muhammad’s skill set ages well:

    • Explosive first step
    • Polished hand usage
    • Ability to win one-on-one in obvious passing situations
    • Comfortable thriving in a 35–45% snap role

    In today’s NFL, rotational edge rushers who can still produce double-digit sacks are highly valued. Teams increasingly pay for situational closers, not just every-down players, and Muhammad proved in 2025 that he can be exactly that.

    What the Lions Are Balancing

    Detroit’s front office, led by Brad Holmes, will be navigating several major financial decisions heading into 2026:

    • Long-term money for cornerstone players
    • Maintaining depth along the defensive front
    • Future extensions for young core defenders
    • Salary-cap flexibility for another Super Bowl push

    Muhammad’s breakout likely pushed his market value into a tier the Lions didn’t initially plan for when he was signed as a rotational piece. Edge rushers with his pressure rate can command multi-year deals in the $8–12 million per year range, even at age 31.

    Crystal Ball Outlook

    So what does the future hold?

    Muhammad is no longer just depth. He’s one of the Lions’ most efficient pass rushers and a proven closer. But his age, sudden rise in market value, and Detroit’s cap priorities all point toward a difficult decision.

    The Lions would love to keep him in the same specialized role he thrived in during 2025. The question is whether they can justify paying market price for a 31-year-old rotational edge rusher when younger stars and core pieces are also due for extensions.

    Final Verdict: Will He Be a Lion in 2026?

    Prediction: Yes??? (I am 51-49 on this one)

    Muhammad has earned a strong free-agent market, and it may take a short-term, incentive-heavy deal for him to remain in Detroit. While the Lions value his production immensely, the combination of age, positional economics, and salary-cap planning makes it more likely that another contender outbids them for his services in 2026.

    If he does return, it will likely be in the same high-impact, limited-snap role that turned his 2025 season into one of the most efficient pass-rushing campaigns in the NFL.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Lions DE Al-Quadin Muhammad Says He Nearly Fought Penei Sewell During A Practices

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    Detroit Lions defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad still remembers the day things got heated with Penei Sewell, and he’s not shying away from the details.

    In an exclusive interview with Tyler Dunne of GoLong.com, Muhammad opened up about the now-famous practice altercation that took place during the 2024 season. It wasn’t about bad blood. It was about setting a tone.

    “That is my game. That was my interview,” Muhammad says. “I’m going 100 miles per hour.”

    Going head-to-head with Sewell, one of the top offensive tackles in the league, Muhammad said he treated every rep like it was game day. But the intensity got out of control, and before long, things nearly turned physical.

    “It came close. Came close,” Muhammad repeats. “There were some words. We stopped practice. He understands. He gets it. And that’s my boy. But that’s what you want! When I came here, I said this is the perfect situation.”

    Proving He Belonged in Detroit

    That fiery moment from 2024 wasn’t just about a scuffle; it was part of Muhammad’s journey to prove he belonged in Detroit.

    After bouncing around the league and spending time on practice squads, the veteran edge rusher said he learned early on to treat every rep like an audition. His former position coach Terrell Williams helped instill that mindset, challenging him daily to “take someone’s spot.”

    That mentality has carried over into the 2025 season, where Muhammad has made a clear impact with 18 pressures, 4.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits through six games.

    The Edge Dan Campbell Loves

    Muhammad’s intensity fits perfectly with Dan Campbell’s vision for the Lions, a team built on grit, aggression, and accountability.

    What happened with Sewell in 2024 wasn’t a negative moment. It was a spark. It showed Campbell that Muhammad wasn’t afraid to challenge anyone, even one of the NFL’s elite linemen.

    And Sewell? According to Muhammad, the two quickly squashed it.

    “He gets it,” Muhammad said. “And that’s my boy.”

    Those kinds of moments, where teammates push each other to their limits, are exactly what make Detroit’s locker room different.

    The Bottom Line

    Al-Quadin Muhammad’s 2024 practice clash with Penei Sewell wasn’t just a near-fight; it was a glimpse into the culture Dan Campbell has built in Detroit.

    In his exclusive interview with GoLong.com’s Tyler Dunne, Muhammad made it clear: he’s not here to coast. He’s here to compete, to dominate, and to embody the fire that fuels this Lions team.

    That practice might have ended early, but its message has carried over, Detroit’s defense isn’t just loud; it’s alive.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Detroit Lions Injury Report: Thursday, September 25

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    The Detroit Lions have released their Thursday injury report ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns at Ford Field. This is the second look of the week at the team’s health status, following Wednesday’s initial report.

    What Changed from Wednesday?

    Typically, the Thursday report begins to show more clarity on which players are trending toward being available for game day. Wednesday often features veteran rest days and players limited as a precaution, while Thursday’s update can be more revealing when it comes to who is actually dealing with lingering issues.

    Detroit’s roster has already been tested by injuries early this season, particularly in the secondary and along the defensive front. Dan Campbell and his staff continue to stress the importance of “next man up,” but staying healthy will be critical against a physical Browns team.

    Player Position Injury Wednesday* Thursday Friday Game status
    Taylor Decker T shoulder NP NP
    Daniel Thomas S forearm NP NP
    Sione Vaki RB groin NP NP
    Derrick Barnes LB knee LP LP
    Zach Cunningham LB hamstring not listed LP
    Al-Quadin Muhammad EDGE knee NP LP

    *The Lions conducted a walkthrough on Wednesday. Practice participation designations for that day are based on estimations.

    ** CB D.J. Reed (cramping) was removed from the practice report.

    Looking Ahead to Friday

    The final injury report of the week comes out Friday and will include official game designations, such as questionable, doubtful, or out. That update will provide the clearest picture of who will suit up when the Lions take the field Sunday afternoon at Ford Field.

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    Don Drysdale

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  • Dan Campbell Doubles Down on Detroit Lions Plan

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    For what seems like forever, Detroit Lions fans have been calling for more help along the defensive line. The cries grew louder when Marcus Davenport left Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears with a shoulder injury, casting doubt on his availability for this week’s Monday Night Football clash against the Baltimore Ravens.

    But head coach Dan Campbell isn’t panicking. In fact, he’s doubling down.

    Campbell Confident in Depth

    Appearing on 97.1 The Ticket for his weekly interview, Campbell was asked directly about the Lions’ depth at defensive end if Davenport can’t go. His response was blunt:

    “Nothing new there. I mean, I’m probably not going to know till the end of the week,” Campbell said as quoted by Lions OnSI. But as far as depth, we’re good. We’re in a pretty good place here. We made some acquisitions. Brad (Holmes) did, right out of camp, so we’re pretty good depth-wise here. But, we’ll know more at the end of the week.”

    Big Picture: Depth Tested Early

    Right now, the Lions have just three proven defensive ends on the 53-man roster: Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Al-Quadin Muhammad. That’s not ideal when facing mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, who has already thrown six touchdowns and rushed for 83 yards in two games.

    Still, Detroit’s identity under Campbell has always been about “next man up.” Whether it’s Muhammad stepping into a bigger role, or younger names like Wheat and Lacy finding their way onto the field, the Lions are sticking to their plan.

    Bottom Line

    The fanbase may want a splash signing, but the Lions believe they’re good with what they’ve got. If Marcus Davenport misses time, expect Al-Quadin Muhammad to take on a heavier workload, and don’t be surprised if Campbell’s confidence in his depth proves justified.

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    Jeff Bilbrey

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  • Detroit Lions Sign 2 Linebackers in Advance of Matchup vs. Cowboys

    Detroit Lions Sign 2 Linebackers in Advance of Matchup vs. Cowboys

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    The Detroit Lions are making some strategic roster adjustments as they gear up for the challenges ahead in the NFL season. On Monday, the Lions released safety Erick Hallett and kicker Matthew McCrane, opting to enhance their linebacker group by signing veteran outside linebackers Cam Gill and Al-Quadin Muhammad, as reported by The Detroit News.

    Assessing the New Additions

    Cam Gill, who joins the Lions from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, comes with a solid background, having been part of the Super Bowl-winning team. While he’s primarily recognized for his contributions to special teams, Gill has also demonstrated his ability to step up in crucial moments, notably recording a half-sack against quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the Super Bowl.

    Adding Al-Quadin Muhammad is another significant move. With a wealth of experience from his time with multiple teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, where he notched a career-high six sacks in 2021, Muhammad brings valuable versatility to the Lions’ defensive lineup. Although he faced a suspension due to a performance-enhancing drug policy violation, his raw talent and extensive experience could make him a key asset moving forward.

    Contextualizing the Changes

    The decisions to release Hallett and McCrane highlight the Lions’ proactive approach to roster management. With injuries sidelining critical players like linebacker Alex Anzalone (out with a concussion) and Derrick Barnes (currently on injured reserve), swift adjustments are necessary to maintain competitive viability. These new signings could provide essential depth and experience to the defensive unit, helping fill the gaps during this challenging stretch in the season.

    The Lions have consistently indicated their focus on building a strong defensive team, and adding Gill and Muhammad reflects that dedication as they navigate an unpredictable season. Given the performance of divisional rivals, who have been consistently competitive, a robust defense is crucial for Detroit’s aspirations.

    Going Deeper

    For those looking to dive deeper into these roster changes, here are some helpful resources:

    1. Detroit News – Lions signing announcements
    2. WLNS – Lions add veteran LB to practice squad
    3. Detroit News – Starters returning for Lions
    4. Pride Of Detroit – Lions sign Allen Robinson

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    W.G. Brady

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