The Detroit Lions’ OTA workouts are in full swing and many players are looking to make a positive first impression on the team. While fans are interested to see how rookies such as first-round pick Tyleik Williams will fit into next year’s team, the same opportunity exists for incoming free agents who could be looking to validate their offseason payday.
One free agent pickup has already made some waves at last week’s voluntary workouts and he could play a key role as the Lions look to get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl in 2025.
Grant Stuard is Already Standing Out at Lions OTAs
Incoming linebacker Grant Stuard made his way to Detroit after signing this offseason, but he has already stood out as OTA workouts have begun. Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire reported that his notes from Friday’s practice “were littered with Stuard making plays” and dubbed him as his player of the day.
“[Stuard] is known primarily for his special teams play…[but] if Friday is any indication, Stuard can be quite a bit more than that,” Risdon wrote. “No. 15 showed an uncanny knack for ducking and dodging blocks on interior run fills and (especially) blitzes. He earned vociferous praise from [defensive] coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and also the more low-key LB coach, Shaun Dion Hamilton throughout practice.”
Stuard joined the Lions on a one-year, $1.7 million contract last offseason as a way to boost the team’s special teams. The 26-year-old broke into the league with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but spent the last three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. His biggest value came when he posted a 69.9 special teams grade in his rookie season and a 67.6 grade in 2022 but his grade dropped to 50.8 last season with the Colts.
While Stuard has 1,306 special teams snaps in his career, he logged just 287 defensive snaps including a career-high 229 with the Colts last season. But if he can provide some help defensively, it could be a sound pickup for Detroit next season.
The Lions released veteran Jalen Reeves-Maybin last spring and Stuard is projected to be his replacement. But the Lions also have questions at linebacker with Malcolm Rodriguez recovering from a torn ACL and Alex Anzalone skipping OTAs as he seeks a contract extension. While both players are expected to return alongside Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes, a Stuard breakout could help buy time until they are ready to hit the field.
It’s a positive sign that must be taken with a grain of salt. But if Friday’s practice foreshadows what’s to come, the Lions may have made an under-the-radar signing in free agency.