Detroit Lions‘ standout EDGE rusher Aidan Hutchinson voiced his hope that Al-Quadin Muhammad, a fellow pass rusher and pending free agent, would rejoin the team in 2026. During the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, Hutchinson discussed the future of the Lions’ defense, expressing his strong preference for Muhammad’s return due to their effective partnership and Muhammad’s impressive 2025 season.
Hutchinson, speaking to the Detroit Free Press, said,
If Quan came back, I’d love that.
He added,
I haven’t heard what’s going on, but yeah, Quan was one of my favorite teammates, so I’d love to have him back.
Muhammad’s Impact During the 2025 Season
Al-Quadin Muhammad made a significant impact last season, compiling 11.0 sacks, a remarkable achievement considering he had only 15.0 sacks over his entire previous career. In addition to sacks, Muhammad recorded a career-high 20 quarterback hits and nine tackles for loss, highlighting his disruptive presence on the defense.
Together, Hutchinson and Muhammad formed one of the league’s most effective pass-rushing duos. Hutchinson led the Lions with 1,005 snaps, while Muhammad produced 11 sacks on just 457 snaps. Hutchinson marveled at this efficiency, stating,
Eleven sacks off of just those 500 snaps just goes to show how efficient he was and how he really made use of the reps that he got, which is really honestly, it’s really impressive to watch for sure.
Competition for Muhammad’s Services in Free Agency
With Muhammad becoming a free agent, many teams seeking to bolster their pass rush are expected to pursue him vigorously. Hutchinson acknowledged this reality, noting the league-wide demand for players who can consistently reach double-digit sacks.
He remarked,
I know a lot of other teams, they see an 11-sack guy and a lot of teams are dying for pass rush, so I’m sure he’s going to get some big offers.
Hutchinson also made a subtle appeal to the Lions’ front office, saying,
Really, if teams are looking for that, or (general manager) Brad (Holmes), if we need more of that, this is just my claim to get Quan back. Maybe that’s that.
Challenges in Maintaining a Strong Pass Rush
While Muhammad’s performance was commendable, his relatively low snap count—fewer than 500—raises concerns about the Lions relying heavily on Hutchinson alone to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Offensive lines often focused on him, and with less support from Muhammad, teams might have found more opportunities to exploit the Lions’ pass rush.
By comparison, Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders, another name linked to the Lions, logged 935 snaps in the same period. Hutchinson has publicly expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of joining forces with Crosby, calling them a potentially dangerous duo.
During an appearance on Kay Adams’ Up and Adams show, Hutchinson said,
In the event that it did happen, that would be so dangerous,
and added,
Me and Maxx have a great relationship. I would love to play with him.
Evaluating Muhammad’s Role in a Rebuilding Defense
Pro Football Focus assigned Muhammad a solid grade of 74.3 in 2025, ranking him 30th among EDGE rushers. While that is respectable, it may not meet the standard needed for the Lions to improve their defense and compete seriously after finishing last in the NFC North. Bringing in a high draft pick at pass rusher along with retaining Muhammad could help balance the team’s strategy, providing both immediate impact and rookie development support.
General Manager Brad Holmes faces critical decisions as he works to rebuild a defense hindered by injuries and inconsistent performances. Muhammad’s free agency adds urgency to finding solutions that can revive Detroit’s pass rush, a key to the team’s defensive success.
In the meantime, Hutchinson’s desire to see Muhammad back on the roster underscores the value of continuity and proven chemistry in maintaining a competitive edge for the Lions in 2026 and beyond.
