Dallas’ run of defensive finish exercises will produce an settlement with Al-Quadin Muhammad. The previous Colts defensive finish is becoming a member of the Cowboys after auditioning for the team today, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets.
Muhammad didn’t see any recreation motion final season, however accomplished a six-sack season within the not-so-distant previous. That got here with the 2021 Colts. The Cowboys will see what the veteran can contribute following the information of Sam Williams‘ ACL tear.
Whereas this marks a second Carl Lawson exercise that didn’t result in a deal over the previous week, as the previous Bengals and Jets sack artist additionally auditioned for the Panthers, it represents one other alternative for Muhammad, who was a part of the Saints’ trajectory-changing 2017 draft class. Muhammad joined Marshon Lattimore, Ryan Ramczyk, Marcus Williams, Alvin Kamara, Trey Hendrickson and Alex Anzalone in that group — one which went 4-for-4 in playoff berths from 2017-20 — however was not a part of these late-Drew Brees-era squads past his rookie yr. The Saints waived Muhammad in 2018, resulting in a long-term Colts partnership.
Principally working as a rotational defender in Indianapolis, Muhammad did safe a beginning function in 2021 — after the workforce didn’t re-sign Justin Houston. Enjoying underneath ex-Cowboys linebackers coach Matt Eberflus that yr, Muhammad totaled six sacks, 13 QB hits and a pressured fumble. This led to a Bears free agent signing (two years, $8M), although Chicago reduce bait after one season.
Ought to the Cowboys find yourself preserving Muhammad into the common season, they would want to attend till Week 2 to deploy him. Muhammad’s return to the Colts in 2023 produced no taking part in time and a six-game PED suspension. That ban got here down with solely 5 video games left final season, which is able to result in the 29-year-old DE being sidelined for one recreation to start out this marketing campaign.
The Cowboys had huge plans for Williams, as they let Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler observe Dan Quinn to Washington. The workforce did, nonetheless, use a second-round decide on Marshawn Kneeland. The rookie figures to see extra taking part in time within the wake of Williams’ harm, although Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence stay the workforce’s edge-rushing cornerstones. Muhammad will try to combine in behind the highest two, and his 2023 season on the Colts’ apply squad might additionally level to an emergency-stash-type function for the eighth-year vet.