The Detroit Lions are quietly bolstering their defensive line, adding depth with the signings of Payton Turner and the re-signing of Myles Adams. These moves might not make headlines, but they could prove crucial as the Lions aim to build one of the NFL's most formidable defenses.
Payton Turner: A Closer Look
Payton Turner, a former first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints, is an intriguing addition. His journey in the NFL has been marred by injuries, but the potential that made him a top draft choice still lingers. Turner’s size and athleticism were his calling cards coming out of the University of Houston, but staying healthy has been his biggest challenge.
- 2021 (Rookie Season): Turner’s debut was hindered by a calf strain and shoulder injury, limiting him to five games. Despite the setbacks, he flashed potential with a sack and several tackles for loss, hinting at his pass-rushing abilities.
- 2022: Injuries continued to plague Turner, causing him to miss half the season. However, in the games he played, he managed two sacks and demonstrated his knack for disrupting plays in the backfield.
- 2023: A severe turf toe injury sidelined him for most of the season, reducing his impact to just two appearances and a fumble recovery.
- 2024: This was Turner’s healthiest season yet, participating in 16 games. He showcased his talent with four pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and a respectable pass rush grade, proving he could be a valuable rotational piece.
- 2025: Unfortunately, Turner’s stint with the Dallas Cowboys was cut short by broken ribs during the preseason, keeping him off the field entirely.
Now in Detroit, Turner has a chance to reignite his career. His physical attributes make him a potential asset, but his ability to stay on the field remains the biggest question.
Myles Adams: Steady Depth
Myles Adams enters his sixth NFL season, bringing reliable depth to the Lions' defensive line. His career started with the Seattle Seahawks, where he contributed primarily as a rotational player.
Adams’ time in Seattle saw him notch 30 tackles and a sack over 26 games. Joining the Lions last season, he appeared in four games, adding another sack to his stats. The Lions’ decision to re-sign Adams underscores their appreciation for his understanding of their system and his role as a dependable depth player.
The Bigger Picture
While neither Turner nor Adams is expected to be a game-changer, they provide essential depth to a Lions defensive line seeking more production behind starters like Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams. Both players have the opportunity to carve out roles as rotational contributors, adding layers to Detroit’s defensive strategy. As the Lions continue to build, these under-the-radar signings could play a pivotal role in their defensive evolution.