One of the emerging pieces of the Colts’ 2021 defense has found a new home. Al-Quadin Muhammad is set to sign with the Bears (Twitter link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). The insider adds that the deal is worth $10MM over two years. 
The 26-year-old began his career with New Orleans, after they drafted him in 2017. He was only a Saint for one season, though, as he was claimed off waivers by the Colts at the onset of the 2018 campaign. He finished his rookie contract in Indianapolis, taking on a larger defensive (as opposed to special teams) role with each passing campaign. He posted five combined sacks between the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Muhammad signed a one-year deal to stay with the Colts last offseason. The $3.4MM value reflected his consistent progress, but also the potential to earn a bigger payday with a productive season. The Miami product responded by starting all 17 games this year, setting new career-highs across the board.
He was on the field for just under three-quarters of the team’s defensive snaps. With that increased workload, Muhammad totalled 48 tackles, six sacks and one forced fumble. Not surprisingly, that performance led to this new contract, which, not unlike the one he played on last year, rewards his growth but doesn’t constitute a financial burden.
In Chicago, he will look to fill in some of the void left in the pass-rush department left by the trade of Khalil Mack. The Colts, meanwhile, will need to look elsewhere if they hope to find a new developmental edge rusher to work with.
Boy, everyone in that Saints draft in 2017 was pretty, pretty good
MUHAMMAD will appear in Chicago !!
I’m not sure that Muhammad will ever be an every down starter (he may, certainly), but he should be a good piece against the pass as a starter or rotational player. His run defense is nothing exemplary, but he was decent with the Colts as a pass rusher. Eberflus’ familiarity with him will likely help there.
Replacing Mack will not be easy, but a lot of that challenge will be due to the other players who also left Chicago-Hicks, Trevathan, and Goldman, to name a few-that will also have to be replaced as well defensively.
Outstanding pickup by the Bears. He’s about to break out! I’m predicting great things.