Myles Adams Bio
Myles Adams (born March 9, 1998) is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). The Arlington, Texas native entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and has since built a steady presence along the defensive line with stints alongside the Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions. Adams played college football for the Rice Owls from 2016 to 2019, where he developed into a reliable interior defender and earned Third-team All-Conference USA honors during his senior season. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 299 pounds, Adams brings size and technique to the defensive end position in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Myles Adams grew up in Arlington, Texas, where he attended Mansfield Summit High School. During his time at the school, Adams showcased his athletic potential on the football field, appearing in 22 games and recording 43 total tackles, including 9 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He also contributed with 8 quarterback hurries, 1 interception, and 1 pass deflection during his high school career. His performance as a multi-year contributor at Mansfield Summit helped establish his reputation as a reliable defensive player heading into college.
Path to American Football
Following his high school career, Adams chose to continue his football journey at the collegiate level by accepting a scholarship to play for the Rice University Owls. This transition from Texas high school football to Conference USA competition represented a significant step up in competition. At Rice, Adams began his career as a freshman in 2016 and gradually developed his skills under the collegiate coaching staff. His progression through the Rice program reflected his dedication to refinement and his ability to adapt to higher levels of competition.
Myles Adams Career
Early Career (2020)
Adams entered the 2020 NFL Draft but went unselected during the seven-round process. Despite going undrafted, his collegiate career and workout performance attracted attention from NFL teams. On April 30, 2020, immediately after the draft concluded, Adams signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent. His brief tenure with the Panthers lasted only a few months, as he was waived on September 5, 2020, before being added to their practice squad the following day. He was released from the practice squad on September 18, 2020, but this initial NFL exposure provided valuable experience in professional football operations.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2020–2024)
Adams joined the Seattle Seahawks organization on December 2, 2020, when he was signed to their practice squad. During the 2021 season, Adams experienced the ups and downs of NFL roster management. On August 31, 2021, he was waived by the Seahawks and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. This pattern demonstrated the competitive nature of roster decisions in the NFL. Adams achieved a significant milestone on December 21, 2021, when he made his NFL debut during the team’s week 15 game against the Los Angeles Rams, marking his first appearance in a regular-season NFL game.
Adams signed a reserve/future contract with the Seahawks on January 10, 2022, securing his place on the roster for the 2022 season. He continued to develop within the Seahawks defensive scheme over the following seasons. On November 26, 2024, Adams was waived by the Seahawks and re-signed to their practice squad, completing his four-year tenure with the organization. During his time in Seattle, Adams appeared in multiple games and contributed to the defensive line rotation while continuing to refine his technique at the professional level.
Detroit Lions Era (2024–Present)
Adams joined the Detroit Lions on November 30, 2024, when he was signed off the Seahawks practice squad. This move to Detroit represented a new chapter in his NFL career, joining a franchise that had been building competitive rosters in recent years. He was released by the Lions on August 26, 2025, as part of the team’s final roster cuts before the regular season, then re-signed to their practice squad. On March 19, 2026, Adams re-signed with the Lions, demonstrating the organization’s continued interest in his defensive capabilities and versatility along the line.
Playing Style and Strengths
Adams operates as a defensive end in the Lions’ defensive scheme, leveraging his 6-foot-2, 299-pound frame to occupy gaps and pressure opposing quarterbacks. His collegiate career at Rice, particularly his senior season, showcased his ability to diagnose plays and maintain gap integrity. The experience gained through his journeyman NFL career across three organizations has provided him with exposure to multiple defensive systems and coaching philosophies, contributing to his adaptability as a professional player.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Adams’ early NFL career came on December 21, 2021, when he made his regular-season debut against the Los Angeles Rams. This milestone represented years of development from high school through college and the challenging path of making an NFL roster as an undrafted player. His continued presence in the league through multiple seasons demonstrates persistence and the ability to earn opportunities through practice performance.
Myles Adams Career Highlights
Adams has accumulated career statistics including 34 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 pass deflection through the 2025 NFL season. His collegiate career at Rice produced consistent production, including a senior season in 2019 where he started all 12 games and recorded 42 tackles while serving as a team captain. His performance that season earned him Third-team All-Conference USA recognition, validating his development at the collegiate level.
Rice Owls Highlights
During his four-year career at Rice University from 2016 to 2019, Adams appeared in 47 games and developed into a reliable starter. His freshman season saw him appear in 10 games with 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. He improved during his sophomore year with 16 tackles across 12 games, followed by a junior season featuring 27 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 13 games with 5 starts. His senior campaign in 2019 represented his most complete season, with 42 tackles across 12 starts while being named a team captain and earning All-Conference USA honors.
Professional Milestones
The pinnacle of Adams’ professional career through 2025 remains his NFL debut with the Seattle Seahawks in December 2021. As an undrafted player who has spent time on multiple rosters and practice squads, his longevity in the league reflects his ability to contribute on special teams and defensive line depth units. His signing with the Detroit Lions and subsequent re-signing in 2026 indicates continued NFL interest in his services.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Total Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCAA (Rice 2016–2019) | 47 | 94 | 6 |
| NFL (2020–2025) | Multiple | 34 | 2 |
Myles Adams Family
Personal Life
Adams maintains his connection to his Texas roots, having grown up and attended high school in the Arlington area before beginning his professional career. He continues to engage with fans through social media platforms. Beyond his football career, Adams’ journey from an undrafted free agent to a multi-year NFL veteran represents a testament to persistence in a highly competitive professional league.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represented a transitional year for Adams following his mid-season arrival with the Detroit Lions in late 2024. After being released during final roster cuts in August 2025 and re-signing to the practice squad, Adams continued working to earn a more permanent role within the Lions’ defensive line rotation. The Lions’ organization has shown continued confidence in his abilities, as evidenced by his re-signing in March 2026, suggesting he remains part of their long-term plans for defensive line depth. His experience across multiple NFL organizations provides him with valuable versatility and the understanding of different defensive schemes, factors that could contribute to his continued presence in the league.
