By Moses Joshua 
Underdog Linebacker Grant Stuard May Be Detroit’s Most Impactful Offseason Addition
An Unheralded Signing That Could Pay Massive Dividends
Amid a flurry of big-name signings and headline-grabbing contract extensions this offseason, the Detroit Lions quietly secured what could become one of their smartest free-agent acquisitions—linebacker Grant Stuard.
While the signing of former Jets cornerback D.J. Reed drew most of the spotlight, general manager Brad Holmes’ decision to ink Stuard to a modest one-year, $1.7 million deal might turn out to be the more transformative move for Detroit’s defense in 2025.
Despite flying under the radar, Stuard brings the kind of grit, resilience, and fire that perfectly matches the identity head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams are building in Detroit.
From Mr. Irrelevant to Can’t-Miss Talent
Stuard’s path to the NFL was anything but conventional. Dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant” as the final pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, most didn’t expect him to last in the league—let alone thrive. But like fellow late-round miracle Brock Purdy, Stuard has done more than just survive.
Behind that late-round label lies a story of extraordinary perseverance. Raised in instability and hardship—navigating a childhood scarred by parental addiction, poverty, and uncertainty—Stuard found consistency and strength in football. By high school, he was already showing signs of his relentless motor, racking up 154 tackles and 7.5 sacks as a junior at Oak Ridge.
At the University of Houston, Stuard emerged as a team captain and the conference leader in tackles per game, showcasing his leadership and high football IQ. Those attributes have only blossomed since.
Production and Potential—Backed by Performance
While he began his NFL journey as a special teams standout, Stuard proved in Indianapolis that he can thrive in expanded roles. In 2024, he logged 229 defensive snaps for the Colts, racking up 40 total tackles and showing clear growth in coverage, earning a 65.3 PFF grade—ranking him 45th among 189 linebackers. He even recorded a touchdown on special teams, returning a blocked punt for a score.
Most tellingly, when called upon to start late in the season, Stuard delivered in emphatic fashion—logging 19 tackles in a single game while playing nearly every defensive snap. That kind of intensity and consistency hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“He’s a guy that comes in every day and works his tail off,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said. “Ultimate competitor. Loves football. Phenomenal human being.”
Lions special teams coach Dave Fipp has long admired Stuard from afar. “Number 41’s a hair-on-fire player,” Fipp noted. “He’s relentless… just a great player, and I have a lot of respect for him.”
Right Fit at the Right Time
Detroit’s linebacker unit is in flux, especially following the release of Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Malcom Rodriguez’s delayed return from injury. Stuard, with his hybrid experience on defense and special teams, could immediately slot in as a plug-and-play solution.
What he lacks in name recognition, he more than makes up for in heart, hustle, and a nose for the ball. His mentality fits Detroit’s blue-collar identity to perfection—an underdog city rallying behind an underdog player.
If his previous stops are any indication, Stuard isn’t just here to fill a roster spot—he’s here to make noise.
Final Thought:
Brad Holmes has built a reputation for finding diamonds in the rough. Grant Stuard might be his next big discovery—and if he delivers, Detroit’s defense won’t just be deeper. It will be tougher, faster, and downright meaner.