The Detroit Lions are riding high after two powerhouse seasons, reaching the NFC Championship in 2023 and finishing 15-2 in 2024. But every offseason brings change, and Detroit needs fresh contributors to stay atop the NFC North.
Enter Grant Stuard.
Signed in free agency to bolster special teams after the departure of Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Stuard is quickly proving he could be much more than just a special teams ace. He’s been a standout throughout offseason workouts and minicamp.
His emergence started when Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon noted his OTA practice notes were “littered with Stuard making plays.” Then special teams coordinator Dave Fipp raved about him to The Detroit News’ Richard Silva:
> “We’re fired up about Grant,” Fipp said. “When we played against him, all the guys in the room thought, ‘This guy plays with his hair on fire.’ He’s tough, he’s around the ball, and he demands attention from opponents.”
The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy echoed the praise, calling Stuard a potential “under the radar” gem and describing him as a “Dave Fipp signing” — someone expected to thrive on special teams while offering defensive upside.
Stuard, originally a seventh-round pick by the Buccaneers, spent the past two seasons with the Colts, where he flashed potential beyond special teams. He logged 229 defensive snaps last year, including a game with 19 tackles, and earned a solid 69.9 special teams grade in his rookie season.
With Alex Anzalone’s contract situation unresolved and Malcolm Rodriguez recovering from an ACL tear, there’s an opening in the Lions’ linebacker rotation. While Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes are penciled in as starters, Stuard’s relentless playstyle could earn him defensive snaps — especially if he continues to impress on special teams.
For now, Stuard’s primary path is through special teams, but he’s already making a strong case to carve out a bigger role in Detroit’s defense.
Grant Stuard Already Making Waves as Lions’ Newest Addition
