The [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) have plenty of positions to address during free agency: edge, wide receiver, offensive line, linebacker, tight end.
It’s not going to be easy to check all of those boxes, though...
If the club intends on putting itself in a position to regularly contend, it will have to put together another near-flawless offseason -- which might just include taking a swing on an undervalued free agent like Detroit Lions linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad.
Let's take a look!
Bio:
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**Al-Quadin Muhammad**
_**Position:** EDGE
**Height:** 6’ 3"
**Weight:** 250lbs
**2026 Age:** 31 (March 28, 1995)
**2025:** 17 G, 11.0 SACKS, 20 QB HITS, 9 TFL_
The Patriots should sign Al-Quadin Muhammad because:
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It's not going to be enough to bring in just one pass-rusher...
The Patriots are extremely thin at the position, as the only proven veteran still under contract is dealing with perpetual knee issues (Harold Landry III), their best option is about to enter free agency (K'Lavon Chaisson), they've routinely been predicted to release the longest-tenured player in that position group (Anfernee Jennings) and they can't rely on increased production from the two youngsters (Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson).
Al-Quadin Muhammad would be a tremendous addition so long as he falls under the "pure pass-rusher who plays on passing downs" umbrella. It's difficult to argue that they should shell out insane money to someone with an obvious ceiling, but pressure is pressure and they aren't in a position to be picky! Muhammad also has experience playing under senior assistant Terrell Williams, for whatever that is worth.
If you swing a trade for Maxx Crosby/Kayvon Thibodeaux/Jonathan Greenard or draft Zion Young/Akheem Mesidor/Cashius Howell, this is a tremendous complementary option.
The Patriots should not sign Al-Quadin Muhammad because:
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I'd imagine the price is going to be steep...
Muhammad produced to an absurd level last season, setting career best marks in sacks (11.0), quarterback hits (20) and quarterback pressures (26). It's still probably best that he is limited to half of his club's defensive snaps moving forward, however, because the more he plays the worse his production has seemingly gotten throughout his career.
If you're going to spend big, you need the return to be big.
Best Fits:
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_1\. San Francisco 49ers2. Carolina Panthers_
_3\. New England Patriots_
It's all about going to the highest bidder at this point in the veteran's career, so expect that average annual value number to come in much higher than you might have initially thought. I won't rule it out just yet, but don't expect him to start packing his bags for One Patriot Place.
**_More NFL: [Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots/news/patriots-offseason-preview-everything-team-must-address-2026/aaf2d2af915aac61a95dded5)_**