Grant Stuard Chose Lions Over Bigger Guarantees for One Key Reason
Money wasn’t the deciding factor for new Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard. Instead, it was the culture.
According to The Detroit News’ Nolan Bianchi, Stuard revealed that he had offers from other teams with more guaranteed money but ultimately chose the Lions. Why? Because after playing against Detroit last season, he saw firsthand the toughness and energy of their players.
“Playing Detroit’s WRs and OL last year was eye-opening about the culture,” Stuard said. “I thought, ‘If there’s a whole building of people like that, I would love to be there.'”
Stuard, who spent the last three seasons with the Colts, made a name for himself on special teams before earning a bigger role on defense in 2024, racking up 40 tackles. Now, he steps into a Lions linebacker unit that just lost Jalen Reeves-Maybin, a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection on special teams. If Stuard can bring that same level of impact, he could set himself up for even bigger opportunities down the line.
Detroit’s front office has made it clear that they value players who embrace the team’s identity. Stuard buying into that vision could make him a perfect fit in Dan Campbell’s locker room.
New Lions Signee Turned Down Bigger Guarantees to Join Detroit
