After enjoying a breakout 2025 season in Detroit, Muhammad signed a one-year contract worth up to $6 million with the during free agency. At the time, the deal looked promising, especially for a Buccaneers defense that finished tied for 26th in the NFL with just 37 sacks last season.

However, Tampa Bay’s plans quickly changed during the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Buccaneers used the No. 15 overall pick on star edge prospect , a player widely expected to step into an immediate starting role. Bain Jr. now projects to start opposite , potentially pushing Muhammad into a rotational EDGE3 role despite coming off the best season of his career.

Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Best NFL Season Came With Detroit Lions

Muhammad thrived in Detroit’s defensive system in 2025 while playing alongside All-Pro edge rusher .

The veteran defender posted career highs across the board, including:

• 11 sacks
• 20 quarterback hits
• 53 total pressures

His production made him one of the Lions’ most effective pass rushers and a key contributor to Detroit’s defensive front.

Although Detroit reportedly did not extend a strong offer to retain Muhammad, likely due to salary considerations, the contract comparison suggests the financial gap was minimal.

Following Muhammad’s departure, the Lions signed to a one-year deal worth $3 million with incentives that could raise the value to $6 million — nearly identical to Muhammad’s Buccaneers contract.

Lions Rookie Derrick Moore Faces Pressure After Draft Selection

Detroit also attempted to reinforce the edge position through the NFL Draft, selecting in the second round.

While the Lions are high on Moore’s upside as a pass rusher and run defender, some analysts questioned the pick’s value. Moore was viewed by several draft evaluators, including Dane Brugler of The Athletic, as more of a third-round prospect.

Meanwhile, Bain Jr. enters Tampa Bay as a much more polished NFL-ready talent with a clear path to immediate snaps.

That reality could make Muhammad’s road to meaningful playing time significantly tougher in Tampa Bay than it would have been had he remained in Detroit.

As the 2026 season approaches, Muhammad will now have to prove he can carve out a major role in a crowded Buccaneers pass-rushing rotation — or risk watching his free agency decision become a costly career setback.