Former Lions Defender Lands With NFC North Rival

July 28, 2026 - 06:44

When the Detroit Lions released veteran safety Jamal Adams near the end of the 2024 season, it looked like his career was nearly over. However, Adams not only played the entire 2025 season, but he is also now signing for the 2026 season. The division rival Minnesota Vikings will now be seeing if Adams can bring veteran stability to their secondary.

Adams, once a first-team All-Pro with the Seattle Seahawks, has battled injuries in recent years but managed to stay on the field for a full campaign last season. His time in Detroit was brief, but he showed enough to draw interest from Minnesota. The Vikings are looking to shore up their defensive backfield after a mixed performance in 2025.

For Lions fans, seeing Adams land with an NFC North rival stings a bit. The 30-year-old safety brings a physical style and playoff experience. He is expected to compete for a starting role in training camp. The Vikings hope he can recapture the form that made him one of the league's most feared safeties earlier in his career.