The Detroit Lions continue to add defensive reinforcements, reportedly signing former All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the practice squad.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Detroit Lions are signing former All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to their practice squad. Per Schefter, the expectation is for Adams to be elevated to the active roster at some point.
Adams is the latest in a wave of defensive additions the Lions have made in the wake of several injuries. The following players have been added over the past month:
- EDGE Za’Darius Smith
- DL Jonah Williams
- DL Myles Adams
- LB Ezekiel Turner
- LB David Long
- LB Kwon Alexander
- S Kaevon Merriweather (practice squad)
Adams, a first-round pick way back in 2017, has an illustrious history in the NFL. He’s a three-time All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowl safety, although he hasn’t had any of that recognition since 2020. After three years with the Jets, he struggled to stay healthy as a key member of the Seattle Seahawks from 2020 to 2023. Over that span of four seasons, he played in just 34 out of 67 games.
Adams was cut by the Seahawks this past offseason in a move motivated by getting younger and saving cap space. After, Adams waited a long time to sign with a new team, eventually landing with the Tennessee Titans in July. But after only playing in 20 snaps through four games, Adams requested his release, which the Titans eventually granted.
The Lions don’t appear to be too shorthanded at safety at the moment, as both starters Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph played 100 percent of the snaps on Thursday. That said, the Lions’ reserves are a bit thin after Detroit sent Ifeatu Melifonwu to injured reserve (for a second time) a couple weeks ago.
Adams could potentially give the Lions’ secondary some versatility if they desire to move Branch around. Adams, too, can play a lot in the box—which could help with Detroit’s shorthanded linebacker situation. And at the very least, Adams brings veteran experience. That said, at 29 years old and with a lengthy injury history, he needs to show he still has it and can stay healthy.
