The Detroit Lions face a challenge in replacing a major part of their defense, but just got some good news about one of the biggest tasks of the offseason.
Al-Quadin Muhammad is headed to free agency after one of the most productive seasons for an edge rusher not named Aidan Hutchinson in years. Though it will be difficult to replace his production, one analyst believes the team will face a great opportunity.
Lions Have Good Chance to Replace Key Player
Muhammad emerged as a productive counterpart to Hutchinson in the 2025 season, racking up 11.0 sacks in 17 games. The Lions had long sought a strong edge rusher to line up opposite Hutchinson, but now their best one in years will be headed to free agency.
The Lions could have plenty of opportunities to replace Muhammad with another productive pass rusher. Josh Helmer of USA Today’s Lions Wire noted that there is a deep pool of edge rushers available on the open market.
“The good news for Detroit? ESPN thinks there’s options this offseason at both edge rusher and at interior offensive line,” Helmer wrote. “In its ranking of the deepest offseason position groups in free agency and in the 2026 NFL draft, ESPN has edge rusher and interior offensive line ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in terms of depth.”
Helmer added that the pool of talented edge rushers is deep, including Trey Hendrickson, Jaelan Phillips, Khalil Mack, and Joey Bosa, among many others.
There are also plenty of options in the NFL draft, Helmer added.
“In the 2026 NFL draft, Keldric Faulk out of Auburn, Akheem Mesidor out of Miami and Cashius Howell from Texas A&M could all be options in the first round for Detroit,” he wrote.
Another Option for the Lions
Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports sees another potential option for the Lions. He predicted the team would land Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell with the No. 17 overall pick.
“Cashius Howell is a high-motor, productive pass rusher who has shown the ability to line up at different spots,” Fornelli wrote. “He’s probably not somebody you want dropping into coverage a lot, which could make him less attractive to some teams, but the Lions need another edge to take some of the load off Aidan Hutchinson.”
NFL draft expert Lance Zierlein of NFL.com called Howell a “bendy edge rusher with standout sack totals,” though noted he has a high ceiling in the NFL. He suggested that Howell will need some development, but has the chance to grow into a star in the coming years.
“Burst and elusiveness are on Howell’s rush menu and he pairs it with a refreshing inside spin counter,” Zierlein wrote. Though threatening, his rush could use more cohesive sequencing and better hand work to fully unlock its potential. As a run defender he’s frequently knocked around at the point and struggles to consistently execute tasks asked of an NFL edge-setter. Howell might not be a three-down player right away, but his ability to create pressure sets him up for a role as a designated rusher, at minimum.”
Lions Get Good News in Bid to Replace 11-Sack Edge Rusher