The Detroit Lions’ losses on defense continue. The latest to leave in free agency is linebacker Grant Stuard, who is reportedly signing a two-year deal worth up to $5.05 million with the Los Angeles Rams, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
Last year, the Lions signed Stuard to a one-year, $1.7 million deal. A favorite of Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp from afar, Detroit immediately had plans to use Stuard as a kick returner in the league’s new dynamic kickoff. After a few weeks, the Lions opted to move him off that role and into other special teams roles. A high-energy, high-effort player, Stuard played in all 17 games, tallied a team-high 375 special teams snaps, and finished the year with 19 tackles.
Losing Stuard will leave a pretty big special teams hole on the Lions’ roster. And he’s just the latest of defensive players to have signed elsewhere this free agency. Detroit has also lost:
- DT Roy Lopez (signed with Cardinals)
- EDGE Tyrus Wheat (signed with Cowboys)
- LB Alex Anzalone (signed with Buccaneers)
- CB Amik Robertson (signed with Commanders)
Detroit is also considerably shorthanded at linebacker at the moment. Currently, just Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Trevor Nowaske are under contract. The Lions have typically carried six linebackers on their 53-man roster, so they may still be looking for two rosterable players at the position. Zach Cunningham and Ezekiel Turner, two depth pieces from last year, remain free agents.
Follow along with the latest Lions free agency news and rumors here.
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