The Lions released former All-Pro safety Jamal Adams from their practice squad on Wednesday, according to a team announcement .
Adams began the season with the Titans before requesting his release in October
. Tennessee obliged, giving Adams the chance to join Detroit’s practice squad at the beginning of December
. He received game day elevations in Week 14 and 15, but played just 20 snaps on defense with three total tackles.
Even as injuries mounted for the Lions in December, Adams did not receive any more playing time. He has never been able to recapture the playmaking form that propelled him to three straight Pro Bowl appearances from 2018 to 2020, a period that included a first-team All-Pro nod in 2021.
Adams recorded 21.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles across his first four NFL seasons, but has played the last six years without a single play in either category.
Adams is unlikely to find another team this season and will enter a second straight offseason as a free agent. He may not have the range to play safety anymore, but he has historically excelled in the box. Converting to a dime-backer who can feature as a blitzer and cover running backs and tight ends may be the best way to extend his career.