Detroit Lions Add Former First-Round Pick Payton Turner, Bring Back Myles Adams
· Yahoo Sports
The Detroit Lions made two more moves along the defensive line, signing defensive lineman Payton Turner and re-signing defensive lineman Myles Adams. Neither player is expected to play a major role, but Turner is the more intriguing addition as a former first-round pick who will be looking to revive his career in Detroit. Both players add depth to a defensive line that still needs rotational help behind its starters. Let’s take a closer look at each player.
Visit betsport.cv for more information.
Payton Turner
The New Orleans Saints selected Payton Turner 28th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft after a four-year college career at the University of Houston. Turner entered the league with high expectations due to his size, athleticism and versatility, but his NFL career has largely been derailed by injuries. Over four seasons with the Saints, Turner played in just 31 games and did not start a single game.
2021 (Rookie Season)
Turner’s rookie season was cut short due to a calf strain and a shoulder injury that eventually landed him on injured reserve. He appeared in just five games that season but showed some promise in limited action, recording one sack, three quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and one total tackle for loss. While the production was limited, the Saints were hopeful he could develop into a rotational pass rusher.
2022
In his second season, Turner again struggled with injuries, suffering chest and ankle injuries that caused him to miss eight games. In the eight games he did play, Turner recorded two sacks and 16 total tackles, along with five tackles for loss and three quarterback hits. This was arguably his most productive stretch early in his career, but availability continued to be a major issue.
2023
The injuries continued in 2023 when Turner suffered a severe turf toe injury in Week 1 that required surgery. He was placed on injured reserve for most of the season and appeared in just two games, though he did manage to record a fumble recovery. At this point, injuries had become the defining storyline of his career.
2024
The 2024 season ended up being the healthiest season of Turner’s career. He appeared in 16 games while dealing only with minor knee and ankle injuries. Turner began to flash some of the potential that made him a first-round pick. He recorded four pass deflections (which ranked third among defensive linemen in the NFL), two forced fumbles, two sacks, three tackles for loss and 21 total tackles. Turner played 335 snaps and posted a 70.8 pass rush grade, showing he could still be a useful rotational defensive lineman when healthy.
2025
Turner was released by the Saints and later signed with the Dallas Cowboys, but injuries once again struck. During the preseason, Turner suffered broken ribs that sidelined him for the entire season, and he did not appear in a game.
Now, Turner will look to revive his career in Detroit. If he can stay healthy, he has the physical tools to contribute as a rotational defensive lineman and pass rusher. However, durability will continue to be the biggest question surrounding him.
Myles Adams
Myles Adams will be entering his sixth NFL season and has mostly served as a rotational depth defensive lineman throughout his career. Adams began his career with the Seattle Seahawks, where he spent four seasons primarily as a depth player and practice squad contributor.
During his time in Seattle, Adams appeared in 26 games and recorded 30 total tackles, one sack and three quarterback hits. He signed with the Lions last season and appeared in four games, recording one sack and three quarterback hits in limited playing time. The Lions re-signed Adams to a one-year deal worth approximately $1.1 million, signaling they value him as a depth and rotational defensive lineman who understands their system.
Overall
Neither Payton Turner nor Myles Adams is expected to be a major contributor for the Lions this season, but both provide important depth along the defensive line. Detroit is still looking for more interior defensive line production outside of Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams, and players like Turner and Adams will have an opportunity to earn rotational snaps.
Turner is clearly the more interesting signing due to his first-round pedigree and pass rushing potential. If he can finally stay healthy, he could end up being a low-risk, high-reward signing for Detroit. Adams, meanwhile, provides familiarity, depth and rotational help along the interior defensive line.