CBS Sports: The Lions add another DL, Lions also cut WR
The Lions made a number of squad changes while we were watching the Movember Charity webcast. While fresh transactions were made public, several previously disclosed trades were verified. This is what took place.
The Detroit Lions announced a number of roster changes on Saturday after a Thanksgiving game that saw additional defensive attrition. They confirmed a number of previously reported changes and released a few new additions.
First, following season-ending knee injuries sustained against the Chicago Bears in Week 13, the Lions revealed that rookie defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez will be put on injured reserve. Detroit also needed to add depth to their front seven because defensive lineman Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike could be out for the Lions’ upcoming game due to injury.
The Lions also cut wide receiver/returner Maurice Alexander to create space for necessary reinforcements. Alexander, who was signed the day before Thanksgiving, served as the Lions’ main returner of punts and kicks and as offensive insurance against the Bears. Alexander is slated to rejoin the Lions practice squad, where they might consider elevating him on game days while Kalif Raymond remains on injured reserve, even though he is no longer on the 53-man roster.
The Lions selected replacement players from three different NFL practice squads since they had three unfilled places. The Lions officially announced the acquisition of defensive tackle Jonah Williams from the Rams and linebacker Kwon Alexander from Denver, both of whom we have discussed. Myles Adams, a Seattle native, was also signed by Detroit to complete the 53-man roster.
Adams, who stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 285 pounds, is a little too small for the interior defensive line. His range of play is very similar to that of Pat O’Connor of the Lions. Although Adams can play at the 5-technique, he primarily uses the 3- and 1-techniques to make an impression.
Adams joined the Panthers after being undrafted out of Rice University in 2020, however he was let loose during cutdowns and ended up joining the Seahawks, where he would play for the following four seasons of his NFL career. Adams participated in 26 games for Seattle over that span, including one as a starter in 2023. Adams’ role was diminished in 2024 when Seattle changed from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. Although he has only played three games this season, he had his best performance against the Lions in Week 4.
As he competes for snaps with O’Connor and 2023 third-round selection Brodric Martin, Adams could provide depth in the Lions’ interior defensive line behind starters Alim McNeill and DJ Reader.
