The Detroit Lions have been making moves in the 2026 NFL Free Agency, which means Dan Campbell and co. have decided to release some players.

Well, it sure did break the hearts of some players and fans.

Former Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad was one of the players they let go in free agency, going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Now, in a recent interview, the host asked him about how much the Lions tried to keep him. He said:

"I don't really know, Detroit, you know, how they thought about it or exactly what went into it, and I don't really care. I'm in Tampa, and I'm happy to be in Tampa, you know, and if I'm not mistaken, they're on a schedule this year. So, you know, I'm excited about that."

Muhammad joined the Lions in October, 2024, when they signed him to the team’s practice squad. They later promoted him to the active roster on November 9, 2024, on a $1.125 million contract. That season, Muhammad had had 8 solo tackles, 3 assists, and 3.0 sacks in 9 games.

The defensive star then signed a 1-year deal worth about $1.42 million that ran through the 2025 season. That season was good as well, as he recorded 15 solo tackles, 10 assists, and 11.0 sacks in 17 games. That was his career-high production in sacks.

His performance had also impressed Dan Campbell.

“He’s crafty, he’s strong, he’s got some explosiveness, and he plays hard. God, he plays hard...So, he’s been big for us, and he’s going to get more of a role. He’s earned that," the Lions head coach said in September 2025.

But the Lions chose not to re-sign him for the 2026 season, and the DL ultimately signed a 1 year, $6,000,000 contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Now, the former Lions star is excited to play against the 2024 NFC Champions.

Al-Quadin Muhammad Is Excited To Play Against Dan Campbell and Co.

Al-Quadin Muhammad has no hard feelings for the Lions. But the defensive star also said that he is excited to play against them in the 2026 NFL season.

“And I do love Detroit, and it was amazing. It was amazing. It’s a great organization, and I appreciate them for allowing me to go out there and do some great things. I look forward to also playing against them," he said in an interview.

The Detroit Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play each other in the 2026 NFL regular season. It’s part of the NFL’s rotating schedule where the NFC North plays the NFC South, but the NFL has yet to announce the exact date and kickoff time.

Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Kalp Thaker