Al-Quadin Muhammad is leaving Detroit. However, the linebacker had some choice words for the Lions. While expressing love for his former team, he also issued an indirect challenge.

The Lions did not re-sign the LB, and after two seasons at Ford Field, Muhammad is heading to Tampa Bay to join the $6.6B worth Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

In his introductory press conference with the Buccaneers, Muhammad said, “I don’t really know (with) Detroit (or) 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. And if I’m not mistaken, they’re on a schedule this year, so I am excited about that."

The Buccaneers and Lions are set to play each other at Ford Field in Detroit. Muhammad will return to where he’s had one of his best seasons and is excited to play his former team. 

Things do not add up when it comes to Muhammad, the linebacker, who had a breakout 2025 season in the NFL. In the 17 games played by the New Jersey native, the linebacker recorded 25 total tackles, of which 10 were solo. Muhammad also had a career-high 11 sacks to his name. 

The Lions still chose to pass on him after two seasons with them. However, Muhammad remains grateful.

“And I do love Detroit, and it was amazing. It’s a great organization, and I appreciate them for giving me the opportunity to go out there and do some great things, and I look forward to also playing against them," he added.

Why did the former Lions linebacker join the Bucs?

Muhammad referred to the Lions' defensive line coach, Kacy Rodgers, and had a conversation about Tampa Bay with him. As Rodgers was on the Buccaneers coaching staff from 209 to 2024. 

Muhammad said, "He was coaching in Tampa, so me and him spoke, and he said it would be a great fit. He said I really like it, so I knew there was some familiarity there. So I felt really confident, and I feel happy about it, excited about it.” 

Apart from Rodgers, Al-Quadin Muhammad will be reuniting with former teammate Alex Anzalone, who also signed with the Bucs. This will be the third time the pair will play on the same team. 

Muhammad also seemed excited to share the field with Anzalone. “He’s a great, instinctive football player. Me and him are really close, really good friends. So I’m super excited to be on a new team and still play with him, so it’s amazing," he said.

So are you as excited as Al-Quadin Muhammad is about facing the lions in the upcoming season? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi