The Detroit Lions are reportedly signing Grant Stuard to a one-year, fully guaranteed deal.
The Detroit Lions certainly have themselves a type, and that type is a special team linebacker. On Wednesday, NFL insider Aaron Wilson announced that the Lions have agreed to terms with former Colts linebacker Grant Stuard. Per Wilson, it’s a fully guaranteed contract, but there are no specific terms.
Originally a seventh-round pick (Mr. Irrelevant) for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (where he overlapped with now Lions defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers), lasted just a season in Tampa before spending the last three years with the Indianapolis Colts. In all four seasons of his career, Stuard’s primary responsibilities were on special teams. He has posted 1,306 special teams snaps, including at least 260 in each of his four seasons.
In 2024, Stuard saw his first significant action on defense, starting six games for the Colts. For the season, he earned 40 tackles, two tackles for loss and a solid 69.4 PFF grade. His season highlight was producing a whopping 19 tackles in a Week 7 win against the Miami Dolphins.
“He’s a guy that comes in every day and works his tail off,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said after the game. “And he got his opportunity and made the most of it.”
Prior to the Lions’ matchup against the Colts, special teams coordinator Dave Fipp pointed to Stuard as a standout for Indy.
“Number 41’s a hair on fire player, this guy’s relentless,” Fipp said. “He’s got a great story, I read it this summer, there’s a great article about him. But just a great player and I have a lot of respect for him.”
(If you’re curious on the story Fipp is referring to, you can read it here.)
At 5-foot-11, 230 pounds, Stuard is a bit undersized, but he has strong athletic traits to make up for it.
Stuard will join a crowded linebacker room that has plenty of players who can play on special teams. That said, there’s a significant opening on the roster with the Lions expected to release former special teams captain Jalen Reeves-Maybin. Stuard likely battle for a roster spot with the likes of Ezekiel Turner, Anthony Pittman, Abraham Beauplan, and DaRon Gilbert.
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