Detroit Lions Defensive End Al-Quadin Muhammad Proves His Worth, Poised for Roster Spot in 2025
Al-Quadin Muhammad, the 30-year-old defensive end, has earned another chance to stick with the Detroit Lions after a solid 2024 campaign. Originally a sixth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2017, Muhammad has bounced around the league, making stops with the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears before joining the Lions midseason.
Despite the lack of expectations when he first arrived in Detroit, Muhammad made the most of his opportunity, emerging as a key contributor to the Lions’ defensive line rotation. In 10 games (2 starts), he recorded 26 quarterback pressures, 21 hurries, and 3 sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt the opposing offense.
“Dude, he’s grown,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell. “As a matter of fact, we were talking about him yesterday, he came up in the defensive staff room. We really feel like over the last three weeks, he’s gotten better and better and better.”
Muhammad’s experience and work ethic have been valuable assets for the Lions, as he quickly adapted to the team’s defensive scheme and played a crucial role in helping the unit overcome a rash of injuries. His 293 defensive snaps during the season demonstrate the trust the coaching staff placed in him.
While Muhammad’s overall PFF grades may not have been elite, his pass-rushing prowess and ability to set the edge in the run game make him a valuable rotational piece for the Lions’ defensive front. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, he brings a unique blend of size, power, and motor that complements the team’s other defensive linemen.
The Lions would benefit from retaining Muhammad’s services, as he has already proven his worth and familiarity with the system. Bringing him back on a one-year, veteran-minimum deal would provide depth and experience to a defensive line room that is expected to be healthier in 2025.
“I think at the very least, Muhammad will be brought back with a shot at sticking on the roster for the coming season,” said Pride of Detroit’s Morgan Cannon. “While 29 snaps per game is probably too much of the snap share for a team with legitimate championship aspirations, I believe he can be a solid contributor off the bench for a defensive front that hopefully has much better injury luck in 2025.”
