The Detroit Lions need to see the forest through the trees with their latest free agency loss on Thursday afternoon. Per KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson, "Former Lions special teams ace and linebacker Grant Stuard is signing (with the Los Angeles) Rams on a two-year deal worth up to $5.05 million, per league source."
Losing Stuard stings. He led special teams with 375 special teams snaps and amassed 19 total tackles in that time on the field during his one year in the Motor City. He didn't get the kind of opportunities he was seeking on the defensive end, though, and looks to find snaps wherever possible in the middle with the Los Angeles Rams in 2026.
What comes next for the Lions after losing such an important piece of the puzzle for special teams coordinator Dave Fipp? It may be obvious if you're paying attention.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin Could Be on Lions' Radar
Stuad's departure opens the door for a potential return for Jalen Reeves-Maybin. The veteran linebacker, who's an unrestricted free agent, recently revealed that his next move would be geared toward satisfying what his family is looking for beyond his professional career.
"I’m deep into my career, and I know I can still do it, and I think I played well this year when I did, but it has to be the right situation for me. I have other priorities that are kind of creeping up there with just me as a football player," Reeves-Maybin said, via The Detroit Free Press, on Feb. 17. "My family’s growing, I put a lot into my role (with the NFLPA), so we’ll see what happens. I’m open to it, but I’m going to be picky, and I’m going to get to a place where I feel like I’m set up nice and have comfort."
Being that Reeves-Maybin has already played in the Motor City in two different stints, and the first five years of his career were spent with the Lions, it's hard not to see an imminent return to Detroit for JRM.
Family may be a driving factor for a Reeves-Maybin return to the Lions, but so is football. The former Tennessee Volunteer played his best ball in Detroit, where he was a second-team All-Pro during the 2023 season — the same year that he also picked up his only Pro Bowl nod.
The Lions know his limitations now. While an LB1 role may be too much for him, Reeves-Maybin could go back to spotting the ball on special teams, where he had a league-leading 14 special teams tackles in 2023. He could also provide depth behind Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and the recently re-signed Malcolm Rodriguez at LB.
The stars are aligning for a third and potentially final stint in Detroit. Reeves-Maybin is the type of contributor the Lions need after watching Stuard leave town, leaving time to tell if a reunion will materialize before free agency is over.