Following a career-high season by Detroit Lions linebacker linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad in which he reached new statistical highs in quarterback hits, tackles for loss, quarterback pressures and sacks, they’ll have to work to replace him.
According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Muhammad has signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He becomes the second Lions defensive player to depart the team via free agency and sign with the Buccaneers, following in the footsteps of Alex Anzalone, who signed for two years after starting 73 games for Detroit over the last five seasons.
Former Detroit Lions LB Al-Quadin Muhammad Earned A Major Raise
Following last season, Muhammad was re-signed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract. Playing in 17 games in the 2025 NFL season, he registered career-highs in sacks (11), tackles for loss (9) and quarterback hits (20).
Additionally, he was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
While speaking with media members following the disappointing end to the season, Lions general manager Brad Holmes explained his plans for the team’s edge rushing depth.
“Yeah, I mean it would be the same approach that we took last year in terms of the position wasn’t ignored in the draft, it just didn’t come together like how we would have liked it to be from a draft standpoint,” Holmes said of the position. “But you know Muhammad played really well. I’m not sure many other teams had an 11-sack and a 14.5-sack guy. I thought the rush was good, but I understand he’s a free agent. Davenport is a free agent, so we’re definitely going to have to look and replenish opposite of Hutch for sure.”
Detroit Lions Cut Ties With Linebacker In Free Agency After Career Year