The underrated linebacker has all the traits to become the next fan favorite in the Motor City.
The Detroit Lions haven't been major players in free agency this offseason, but what they have done is continue to make quality additions to round out their roster and locker room.
Instead of splashy signings, the Lions have focused on retaining their own free agents as well as adding underrated players who can provide depth at important points of the roster. Defensive tackle Roy Lopez was the first such move in this vein.
Wednesday, the Lions signed linebacker Grant Stuard. Like Lopez, he isn't the biggest name, but fits a similar mold for the franchise as a hard working role player. Having released linebackerJalen Reeves-Maybin, the Lions needed a new special teams demon. Stuard brings that as well as the potential for a bit more on defense.
Last season, when Stuard saw the field for the Indianapolis Colts in the middle of the season, he was quietly good. As Al Karsten pointed out, PFF recognized Stuard for being good in coverage and solid overall despite a small sample size.
Grant Stuard's traits could help him become a new fan favorite with Detroit Lions
Like most defensive positions, the Lions struggled with linebacker depth in 2024, losing key names like Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez and Alex Anzalone for extended stretches. Stuard may be in line to see the field more in Detroit, and those stats prove he can be trusted if that is the case.
More than the potential for fantastic play, Stuard has shown he has the goods to become a new fan favorite in the Motor City. Not only does he have a formidable look with flowing locks like Anzalone, but he brings passion as well as a good mindset to the locker room.
A former Mr. Irrelevant selection in 2021 out of Houston, Stuard has made a name for himself in the league with gritty play and hard work, especially given his underdog story. Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star profiled Stuard in 2024. Perhaps most notable in the analysis was a tidbit about how Stuard represents himself on the field.
"He’s on the final year of his four-year, $3.6 million rookie contract, still just 25, still in his prime. His superpower isn’t size or speed (4.62 seconds for 40 yards), but effort. When a play ends in practice, he’s the one running 20 yards farther downfield than everyone else. When contact drills aren’t designed for tackling, but merely thudding – think: bumper cars – he’s the one thudding harder than everyone else. And with the Colts, he’s found a team that values what he brings."
In the end, Indianapolis didn't bring Stuard back, but those traits will serve him well in Detroit, and likely make him one of Dan Campbell's new favorite players. If he shows the same passion and ability with the Lions, fans will also have no trouble quickly adopting another unique grinder.
