There's been no shortage of discussion on who should be lined up on the opposite end of Detroit Lions' elite EDGE Aidan Hutchinson in 2026, but what does Hutchinson think?
Hutchinson spoke with the Detroit Free Press at the 2026 Pro Bowl Games about the Lions' defense and the numerous impending free agents on that side of the ball. Among those free agents is his pass-rushing mate Al-Quadin Muhammad, whom Hutchinson affectionately calls "Quan."
Hutchinson expressed his desire for Muhammad to return, saying, "If Quan came back, I’d love that." Hutchinson continued, "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."
Muhammad was a revelation for the Lions. The 31-year-old totaled 11.0 sacks in 2025 after having only 15.0 career sacks entering last season. Muhammad also accounted for a career-high 20 QB hits and nine tackles for loss.
As a tandem, Hutchinson and Muhammad ranked fourth and 11th in sacks, being one of three defensive pairings to post double-digit sacks last season. Muhammad accomplished that feat with just 457 defensive snaps compared to Hutchinson's 1,005, which Hutchinson marveled at:
"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."
That sort of production and efficiency is rare in the NFL, and Muhammad, who is a free agent, will have his suitors. Hutchinson is well aware of that, saying, "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."
Of course, the Lions need a versatile 11-plus sack guy to fortify their pass rush, so Hutchinson has made his pitch for Muhammad to return, saying, "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."
Lions need more out of their pass rush in 2026
Muhammad was certainly a standout in 2025, but that under-500 snap count can be alarming. That's over 500 snaps where Hutchinson was the only EDGE rusher offensive lines had to seriously be mindful of. By comparison, popular trade target Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders played 935 snaps, second only to Hutchinson among EDGEs.
Crosby is another pass rusher Hutchinson has expressed interest in playing with, saying during an appareance of Kay Adams' Up and Adams, "In the event that it did happen, that would be so dangerous," Hutchinson continued, "Me and Maxx have a great relationship. I would love to play with him."
READ MORE: Potential Lions target reportedly takes his desire to leave to Tom Brady
When Muhammad was on the field, he was good. Pro Football Focus graded Muhammad at a 74.3, good for 30th among EDGEs. For a Lions team looking to get back on track after finishing last in the NFC North, 30th likely isn't good enough. However, if the Lions draft a pass rusher high in the draft, Muhammad could be a safe choice to bring back to ease that rookie into the league.
Brad Holmes has a lot of decisions he'll have to make as he looks to reshape a disappointing and injury-riddled defense. Muhammad becoming a free agent means the pass rush has to be addressed one way or another. For Hutchinson, he hopes his friend "Quan" is in the mix for a 2026 return.