The Detroit Lions have battled injuries on the defensive side of the ball throughout the 2025 season. This is one of the reasons why they own a record of 8-6 and will need some help to qualify for the postseason entering Week 16.
Despite their injury issues, however, one player on that side of the ball has surpassed expectations by a mile and now seems like a piece of the puzzle that is too important to let slip away. After appearing in just nine games during the 2024 campaign, veteran defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad proved he is capable of being much more than the role player he was thought to be in the Motor City.
Detroit Cannot Afford to Not Re-Sign Al-Quadin Muhammad
The numbers never lie, and in Muhammad's case, they tell quite a story. The former sixth-round pick out of the University of Miami in 2017 is on his fourth team, following stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints, but he seems to have found a home in Detroit with his play this season.
In 14 appearances, Muhammad has recorded 23 total tackles and a career-best nine QB sacks. He accomplished this on 46 total pressures on 303 pass rush snaps. There is little doubt that Muhammad possesses the ability to work his way into the offensive backfield and wreak havoc. An edge rusher doesn't just luck into that many QB pressures on any given Sunday. Naturally, Muhammad's overall Pro Football Focus grade of 75.1, the 24th best among 112 eligible players, is among the highest grades the position has to offer.
With Muhammad having agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract with Detroit earlier in the offseason, the Lions' front office will have to work quickly to put together an offer that is enticing enough for the pass rusher to sign on the dotted line before seeking out what other entities could offer.