Lions sign former All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to practice squad
The Detroit Lions signed former All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the team's practice squad on Sunday.
Adams, 29, played only three games for the Tennessee Titans this season before being released in mid-October. He played a total of only 20 snaps and was given a Pro Football Focus overall score of 49.8.
Albeit a small sample size given in his brief stint with Tennessee, Adams has seen far better days in his NFL career.
Adams was a three-time All-Pro with the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks but has regressed as injuries have stunted his progress. He played a total of 10 games in 2022 and 2023.
He signed a one-year deal with the Titans after the Seahawks let him walk following the 2023 season.
Adams will look for a fresh start at a time when the Lions defense seems to add a new name to its injury list each week. He spoke about coming to Detroit with reporters on Monday, noting he's been staying fresh and ready while being home in Dallas.
"When [Aaron Glenn] called, it was a no brainer for me," Adams said.
Adams has played the strong safety position since he entered the league as the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. That position is currently manned by Brian Branch with the other safety position handled by Kerby Joseph. Loren Strickland is the backup to Branch while Brandon Joseph backs up Kerby.
It wouldn't be a shock to many to see Adams at some point elevated and potentially filling in for plays at the linebacker position, an area that has been devastated by injuries recently.
Alex Anzalone is currently on injured reserve with a broken forearm and isn't expected back until the end of the season or playoffs and Malcolm Rodriguez suffered a season-ending injury in the team's last win against the Chicago Bears. The Lions signed former All-Pro linebacker Kwon Alexander last week and now bring in Adams for additional support.
Adams and Glenn have some history as well. Glenn served as the defensive backs coach for the New Orleans Saints in 2017 and coordinated Adams' Pro Day when he was coming out of LSU.
"He ran the show, and I was doing the drills. From that point on, we've always kept a close connection. A hell of a coach, as everybody knows, but an even better person," Adams said.
Adams also spoke about his perspective of the Lions' success this season.
"S***, I mean, they've been kicking everybody's a**," Adams said with a grin. "I'm fortunate enough to just be on a team that's rolling like this. Whatever I can to do help is what I'm here for."
Head coach Dan Campbell also talked about Adams coming to Detroit, saying "we'll see if there's a place for him."
"He just gives us options... we're going to play the best players. Whoever can help us, is going to get going," Campbell said. He was asked whether he sees Adams playing linebacker or safety and Campbell suggested the possibility of defensive end as well.
Nov 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams (33) during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
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