Aidan Hutchinson Wants Al-Quadin Muhammad Back in 2026

Lions' standout EDGE rusher Hutchinson praises Muhammad's impact, urges team to re-sign the pending free agent pass rusher.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Detroit Lions' star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has expressed his strong hope that the team will re-sign pending free agent pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad for the 2026 season. Hutchinson praised Muhammad's impressive 2025 campaign, in which he recorded 11 sacks, and said he would "love" to have his teammate back. However, with Muhammad expected to draw significant interest from other teams seeking pass rush help, the Lions face a challenge in retaining him while also addressing other defensive needs through the draft and free agency.

Why it matters

Maintaining a strong pass rush is crucial for the Lions as they look to improve their defense and compete in the NFC North. Hutchinson and Muhammad formed an effective duo in 2025, but the team must weigh the value of continuity against the need for additional talent infusion through the draft or free agency signings.

The details

Al-Quadin Muhammad had a breakout 2025 season, recording 11 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and 9 tackles for loss - a significant increase from his previous career totals. Together with Hutchinson, who led the team with 1,005 snaps, the two pass rushers formed one of the league's most productive duos. However, Muhammad's relatively low snap count of just 457 raises concerns about the Lions' ability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks, especially if teams focus their blocking efforts on Hutchinson alone.

  • In the 2025 season, Muhammad compiled 11.0 sacks, a career-high.
  • Muhammad is set to become a free agent in 2026.

The players

Aidan Hutchinson

A standout EDGE rusher for the Detroit Lions who led the team with 1,005 snaps in the 2025 season.

Al-Quadin Muhammad

A pass rusher for the Detroit Lions who had a breakout 2025 season, recording 11.0 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and 9 tackles for loss.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions, who faces critical decisions in rebuilding the team's defense and addressing the pending free agency of Al-Quadin Muhammad.

Maxx Crosby

An EDGE rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders who has been linked to the Detroit Lions, and whom Hutchinson has expressed enthusiasm about potentially playing alongside.

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What they’re saying

“If Quan came back, I'd love that.”

— Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Free Press)

“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.”

— Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Free Press)

“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.”

— Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Free Press)

“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.”

— Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Free Press)

“In the event that it did happen, that would be so dangerous,”

— Aidan Hutchinson (Kay Adams' Up and Adams show)

What’s next

General Manager Brad Holmes faces critical decisions as he works to rebuild the Lions' defense, including whether to re-sign Al-Quadin Muhammad or pursue other pass rushing options through the draft or free agency.

The takeaway

Maintaining a strong pass rush is crucial for the Detroit Lions as they look to improve their defense and compete in the NFC North. Hutchinson's desire to see Muhammad back on the roster underscores the value of continuity and proven chemistry, but the team must also consider the need for additional talent infusion to revive their defensive unit.