Jamal Adams, the new Detroit Lions defender, was in Dallas training and preparing for his next NFL opportunity when his phone rang.
It was Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn on the line—but Adams missed the call.
Soon after, texts began flooding in from his father and agent, urging him to return the call.
“AG? From Detroit?” Adams recalled thinking.
The fact that it was Glenn calling meant a lot to Adams. Their connection went back to 2017, when Glenn, then a defensive backs coach for the Saints, worked with Adams during his pro day at LSU.
“From that point on, we’ve always kept a close relationship,” Adams said. “He’s a hell of a coach, as everyone knows, but even more so, an amazing person.”
Adams’ decision to join the Lions was an easy one. The 29-year-old defender, who has never made a deep playoff run or played in a Super Bowl in his eight years in the league, saw this move as a golden opportunity.
He has only reached the playoffs twice, but both times his team was eliminated in the Wild Card round.
“It’s a dream come true,” Adams said, reflecting on the call from the Lions.
“They didn’t need me; they’ve been playing great. For them to reach out and offer me a chance with such a first-class organization like Detroit, it was a no-brainer.
I’m just thankful for the opportunity. Wherever they need me, whenever they need me, I’ll be ready.”
Adams now joins a Lions defense that has been hit hard by injuries, particularly at linebacker.
In just the past month, the team has placed Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Alex Anzalone
, and Malcolm Rodriguez on injured reserve.
Although Adams is typically known as a safety, he has spent a lot of time recently playing closer to the line of scrimmage, and during his first practice with Detroit, he worked with the linebackers in individual drills.
“I feel like I can do a little bit of everything,” Adams said. “Whatever they ask of me, I’ll give it my all. I’ll keep flying around, making plays, and doing whatever I can to contribute.”
Adams’ all-around skills are evident in his career stats.
Over 83 games (81 starts), he has totaled 498 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 42 QB hits, 4 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, and 36 passes defended—proving he can do a bit of everything on the field.
While it’s unclear how quickly Adams will be integrated into the lineup, the Lions signed him to the practice squad, with reports suggesting that he will be promoted to the active roster soon.
Could that happen as early as Thursday’s game against the Green Bay Packers?
When asked about his potential debut, Adams simply smiled and kept his response vague, saying, “We’ll see.”
His versatility, leadership, and drive make him a valuable addition to a Lions defense that is already on the rise.
As Adams adjusts to his new team, his presence will undoubtedly add depth and intensity to their push for a playoff spot and beyond.
