Detroit Lions Are Losing Breakout Edge Rusher

Muhammad Had A Breakout Year In 2025

After only being a depth player in his NFL career, Muhammad enjoyed a breakout year for the Lions in 2025. Once Marcus Davenport was injured (again), Muhammad was thrust into a big role. He responded with a career season. Notching 11 sacks, Muhammad finally gave Detroit a dependable edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

Muhammad made his mark almost immediately. In Week 3, Muhammad recorded 2.5 sacks in Detroit’s dramatic 38-30 road victory against the Baltimore Ravens. That showing, on MNF, put the entire NFL on notice. Muhammad would add two more multi-sack games over the course of the season. On his way to finishing 11th in the league in sacks, everyone knew the veteran would be earning a raise in 2026.

New Deal Is An Excellent Value

Spotrac estimated his next contract to be two years and around $16 million. For a Lions team with limited cap space, that figure would have been tough to meet. Surprisingly, Muhammad’s deal with Tampa Bay is for only one season and is worth up to $6 million.

At that price, it is absolutely mind-boggling that GM Brad Holmes let Muhammad get away. Players who can sack the quarterback are invaluable in the NFL. The Lions had one in Muhammad. Letting him walk at such a reasonable price is shocking. 

Where Do Lions Go From Here?

Detroit already had a big need at edge rusher. Even if they viewed Muhammad only as a pass-rushing specialist, keeping him would have given the Lions options in free agency and the draft. With Muhammad gone, and nobody added to their edge group, the Lions are backed into a corner. They absolutely need to sign a productive edge still on the market. Players like Joey Bosa and Cam Jordan are still available. Even if both are on the downside of their illustrious careers, the Lions should sign one. They also need depth at the position. Hutchinson and Ahmed Hassenein are the only edge rushers currently on the roster.

The Lions will hopefully draft an edge with one of their top picks in April. Teams that expect to compete for a Super Bowl can’t go into a season with such a glaring need. Holmes, though, has a habit of going against the grain during the draft. It is not guaranteed he will take an edge, especially if he has other players rated higher. Outsiders have been screaming for Holmes to make a major investment at EDGE for years, to no avail.

Now with Muhammad gone, Detroit’s need for an edge rusher has never been higher. Will Holmes finally attack the position and sign or draft someone of note? Or will he continue to add only low-cost options and hope for the best? His decision will have a great impact on the Lions’ 2026 season. Edge rusher is one of the most important positions on the field. Right now, Detroit is severely lacking quality pass rushers. If offenses only have to worry about Hutchinson, the Lions’ defense becomes much easier to play against.

I know it’s still early, but free agency has made the Lions a worse football team. With several needs already, the players leaving have only added to the list. It is still too early, but the concern over the Lions’ offseason is valid and growing. Can Holmes right the ship before it is too late?