The Detroit Lions have made a concerted effort to re-sign multiple defensive linemen from last year’s team, instead of finding outside options in free agency.
Through the first two weeks in free agency, the Lions have brought back pass rushers Marcus Davenport and Mitchell Agude, who should give them depth off the edge. They also re-signed Levi Onwuzurike and Myles Adams. On Tuesday, the team re-signed defensive tackle Pat O’Connor to a one-year deal.
The Lions are banking on guys to be healthy and familiar with the system heading into next season. Sticking with the familiarity angle, Detroit brought back another pass rusher, who played well when his number was called last season.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Lions are re-signing veteran defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad to a one-year deal.
Lions are re-signing defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad to a one-year deal, per agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2025
Detroit signed the 30-year-old defensive lineman to the practice squad in early October after he was cut by the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 53-man roster deadline in late August. Muhammad eventually made his Lions’ debut in Week 8 against the Tennessee Titans.
The veteran pass rusher was elevated twice from the practice squad to the active roster before being signed to the active roster on Nov. 9. Muhammad recorded 11 combined tackles, eight quarterback pressures, five quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, and three sacks in nine games.
Muhammad’s advanced stats weren’t anything special as he had a 61.9 pass-rush grade (92nd among 211 edges) and a 48.7 run-defense grade (177th). That said, a 61.9-grade rush isn’t bad considering the state of the Lions’ pass rush and Muhammad stepping in midway through the season.
Nonetheless, Muhammad might not have a large role this upcoming season, especially with a healthy Aidan Hutchinson and the other pass rushers returning. However, for the Lions to be one of the best teams in the NFC, their pass rush must stay healthy throughout the 18-week regular season.