The Detroit Lions didn’t make many huge signings in free agency, outside of veteran cornerback D.J. Reed, who was inked to a three-year, $48 million deal. Their other signings were one-year pacts, which gives them financial flexibility not only this season but also in the future.
Among the multitude of one-year deals that Lions GM Brad Holmes handed out, one player flew under the radar as he was considered more of a special-teams contributor.
However, given the state of the Lions’ LB depth and his performance in OTAs, this new Lions addition could have a larger role this season. The player we’re talking about is Grant Stuard, who was signed to a one-year, $1.7 million contract.
New Lions LB Grant Stuard Already Emerging as Potential Contributor
Most Lions fans likely didn’t give the Stuard signing much attention, as he spent most of his NFL career playing special teams with the Indianapolis Colts. But with Detroit moving on from Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Detroit felt that the ex-Colts linebacker was a perfect replacement.
Last season with the Colts, the 27-year-old defender appeared in all 17 games, but also made five starts. He had 40 combined tackles and two tackles for loss. Stuard also sported a 70.1 run defense grade (63rd among 189 eligible linebackers) and a 65.3 coverage grade (45th), per PFF.
This is paramount to remember as the Lions will be without veteran Malcolm Rodriguez, who is still rehabbing from a torn ACL.
Stuard immediately stood at the Lions’ first OTA session open to the media. According to Jeff Risdon of the Lions Wire, the 27-year-old linebacker did a good job of ducking blocks on blitzes and even got praise from new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
"No. 15 showed an uncanny knack for ducking and dodging blocks on interior run fills and (especially) blitzes. He earned vociferous praise from coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and also the more low-key LB coach, Shaun Dion Hamilton, throughout practice."
When OTAs ended early last month, Risdon made it a point to highlight Stuard again, as he said the veteran defender is getting considerable reps at linebacker. If you’re a Lions fan, you love to hear all this good news about Stuard.
Detroit might’ve found themselves a steal in the special teams ace, who could end up playing a significant role this season. However, these are the gambles that good teams make. They find a an under-the-radar player, who fits their system and puts them in the best position to succeed.
If Stuard exceeds expectations, he will no doubt get a pay raise next offseason, whether it's in the Motor City or elsewhere.