Aidan Hutchinson Makes Bold Plea for Lions to Bring Back This 11-Sack Pass Rusher
The Detroit Lions continue to evaluate how to improve their pass rush heading into the 2026 NFL season, and star EDGE rusher Aidan Hutchinson has made his feelings clear about one possible solution.
Speaking with the Detroit Free Press at the Pro Bowl Games, Hutchinson revealed he would welcome a reunion with free-agent pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2025.
“If Quan came back, I’d love that,” Hutchinson said. “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.”
Al-Quadin Muhammad Emerged as a Key Weapon in Lions Defense
Muhammad was one of the biggest surprises on the Detroit Lions defense in 2025. At age 31, he recorded:
11.0 sacks
20 quarterback hits (career high)
9 tackles for loss
Before the season, Muhammad had just 15.0 career sacks. His 2025 production nearly matched that total in a single year.
Despite playing only 457 defensive snaps, Muhammad finished among the league leaders in sack efficiency. Hutchinson, who logged over 1,000 snaps, praised his teammate’s impact.
“Eleven sacks off of just those 500 snaps just goes to show how efficient he was,” Hutchinson said. “It’s really impressive to watch.”
Together, Hutchinson and Muhammad were one of only three pass-rushing duos in the NFL to post double-digit sack totals last season.
Lions Pass Rush Must Improve in 2026
While Muhammad’s production was strong, his limited snap count remains a concern. That left Hutchinson as the primary focus of opposing offensive lines for large portions of games.
By comparison, Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders played 935 snaps in 2025, ranking just behind Hutchinson among EDGE defenders.
Hutchinson has openly stated he would welcome the chance to play alongside Crosby if a trade were ever possible.
“In the event that it did happen, that would be so dangerous,” Hutchinson said. “Me and Maxx have a great relationship. I would love to play with him.”
Free Agency Creates Pressure for Lions Front Office
With Muhammad entering free agency, Detroit must decide how to rebuild its pass rush after an injury-riddled and disappointing defensive season. Muhammad finished with a 74.3 Pro Football Focus grade, ranking 30th among EDGE rushers.
For a team aiming to rebound in 2026, that ranking alone may not be enough. However, Muhammad could still play an important role if the Lions draft a pass rusher early and use him as a rotational veteran presence.
General manager Brad Holmes faces critical decisions this offseason as he reshapes the defensive front.
Hutchinson understands Muhammad’s strong market value but is clearly campaigning for his return.
“I know a lot of teams see an 11-sack guy and they’re dying for pass rush,” Hutchinson said. “This is just my claim to get Quan back.”
Will Al-Quadin Muhammad Return to Detroit?
Muhammad’s efficiency and chemistry with Hutchinson make him a logical option for the Lions to consider in 2026. However, with multiple teams expected to pursue him in free agency, Detroit may need to act quickly if they want to keep their breakout pass rusher.
For Hutchinson, the message is simple: bringing back “Quan” could be one of the easiest ways to strengthen Detroit’s defense next season.
