Just 48 Hours Before a Win-or-Go-Home Clash With the Miami Dolphins, NFL Drops “Season-Shifting” Steelers News That Sends Shockwaves Through the AFC

Detroit, Michigan – January, 2026 The Detroit Lions have officially made a difficult but strategic decision regarding one of the most impactful veterans on their roster. General manager Brad Holmes has confirmed that the team will move on from veteran EDGE/DE Al-Quadin Muhammad following the best season of his NFL career, a move driven by Detroit’s desire to protect its draft capital and long-term roster flexibility ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. Muhammad, who joined the Lions on March 19, 2025, signed a modest one-year deal worth $1,422,500. What was initially viewed as a low-risk depth signing quickly turned into one of the biggest value contracts in the league — and now, a tough cap and roster decision for Detroit. Career Year Forces Lions’ Hand During the 2025 season, Muhammad delivered a breakout performance that far exceeded expectations. He finished the year with 11 sacks, 25 tackles, and a career-high 53 quarterback pressures, establishing himself as one of the Lions’ most disruptive defensive players and a key piece of the pass rush. That production dramatically outpaced the value of his bargain contract and instantly elevated his status across the league. However, it also placed Detroit in a bind. Re-signing Muhammad at his new market value would require a significant financial commitment and could negatively impact the Lions’ ability to maintain a high and flexible draft position — a priority for the front office as it looks to continue building a sustainable contender. Draft Capital Over Expensive Extension According to league sources, the Lions’ decision is rooted in long-term planning rather than dissatisfaction with Muhammad’s performance. By allowing him to leave in free agency, Detroit avoids committing to a substantially higher contract and preserves flexibility for the upcoming draft, where premium picks remain central to the franchise’s strategy. From a cap perspective, moving on from Muhammad represents approximately $1.2 million in immediate cap savings compared to his 2025 hit, but more importantly, it prevents the Lions from taking on a much larger financial obligation. Market projections from Spotrac estimate Muhammad’s value at two years, $15–16.4 million (roughly $7.9–8.3 million per year), with some scenarios suggesting a one-year deal worth $6–7 million, plus incentives that could push the total into the $8–9 million range. Agents Now Exploring Next-Team Options With Detroit stepping back, Muhammad’s representatives are now actively exploring potential landing spots. Coming off a career-best season, the veteran EDGE is expected to attract strong interest from teams seeking proven pass-rush production without committing to a long-term deal. League insiders believe Muhammad’s combination of experience, efficiency, and recent production makes him one of the more intriguing defensive free agents on the market, particularly for playoff-caliber teams in need of immediate impact off the edge. A Business Decision, Not a Football One For the Lions, this move underscores the reality of the NFL as a business. Muhammad delivered everything the team could have hoped for — and more — but timing, salary dynamics, and draft priorities ultimately shaped the outcome. Detroit walks away having maximized value from a short-term investment, while Muhammad enters free agency with momentum and leverage. His chapter with the Lions may be brief, but it was undeniably productive. As free agency approaches, attention now shifts to where Al-Quadin Muhammad will land next — and whether his career-best season in Detroit was just the beginning of an even bigger second act.