On Monday, newly signed veteran Jamal Adams wore a Detroit Lions uniform for the first time. After Inclusion in the team's training group Over the weekend, Adams did what many expected and did so in Detroit's struggling defense.
He practiced with the linebacking corps and not the secondary, at least in the portion of practice that was open to the media on Monday.
Adams has been a safety, or at least been referred to as a safety, for his entire eight-year NFL career. However, the 6-foot-1, 2-1/2-pound player has dabbled more than a little bit in playing as a box safety or de facto linebacker. With the Titans in 2023, Adams played the “edge safety” role popularized by Jabrill Peppers and CJ Gardner-Johnson, much more than he ever did in coverage behind the linebackers.
In Detroit, the Lions had Ifeatu Melifonwu, who played that role quite well throughout 2023. Melifonwu has been injured multiple times throughout the season and Aaron Glenn's defense hasn't really capitalized on that role in his absence. Adams' experience and search-and-destroy attitude provide a chance to reclaim that role and give the Lions some new options on defense. The three-time Pro Bowler (2018-2020) even played a little in that role against Green Bay with Tennessee earlier this season.
It remains to be seen whether Adams will play against the NFC North rival Packers on Thursday night. In order to play, he would have to be removed from the practice squad.
