The injury-plagued Detroit Lions made a move to bolster their defense on Friday by signing former Pro Bowl linebacker Kwon Alexander. Just two days later, they took another step to strengthen their roster. ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that the Lions are adding three-time Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams to their practice squad, with plans to elevate him to the main roster. The 29-year-old recently played three games for the Tennessee Titans before being released on his birthday, October 17. Adams, now in his eighth NFL season, will join his fourth team in Detroit. Prior to the signing, Adams shared a brief message on social media: “God is good,” posted on X on Saturday evening.
Adams, a 2017 first-round draft pick by the New York Jets, earned All-Pro honors in 2019 and has accumulated 498 tackles, 36 pass breakups, 21.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and four interceptions throughout his career. However, he hasn’t played more than nine games in a season since 2021, when he was with the Seattle Seahawks, due to ongoing injuries. Notable setbacks include a shoulder labrum tear in January 2021, a tight quad tear in September 2022, and a knee strain in December 2023.
Detroit’s safety group is led by Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, with Loren Strickland and Brandon Joseph, both undrafted free agents, providing depth. The Lions currently boast the best record in the league at 11-1 after narrowly defeating the Chicago Bears 23-20 on Thanksgiving. Of the team’s remaining five regular-season games, three are against NFC North rivals, including a prime-time matchup with the Green Bay Packers on “Thursday Night Football” later this week.