Colts free agent linebacker Grant Stuard signs with Lions on one-year deal
The Colts lose a fan favorite and core special teamer to the reigning NFC North Champions in free agency.
According to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, Indianapolis Colts starting linebacker Grant Stuard is signing with the Detroit Lions on a one-year, fully guaranteed deal.
Since arriving to Indianapolis in a late August of 2022 trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stuart was all heart, hustle, and toughness for his newfound, yet now former home—taking his talents to the reigning NFC Champions.
The former ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ of the 2021 NFL Draft largely made his mark on special teams for the Colts over the past three seasons, appearing in 49 career games. He played in 73% of Indy’s total special teams snaps last year.
However, due to the ineffectiveness and injuries of the Colts’ starting linebacker corps, Stuard made 5 starts for Indianapolis this season—including a team-high (and career-high) 19 total tackles during Week 7 at home against the Miami Dolphins.
Honestly, at that point in time, he was a breath of fresh air for a Colts linebacker room that was reeling and particularly struggling against the run. Stuard was taking on, fighting through blocks, and showed a willingness to mix it up—with a knack for finding the football.
Honestly, I’m a little surprised the Colts let a core special teamer and potential spot-starter at linebacker go for what seems like a cost-efficient contract. The team recently re-signed another special teams ace, wideout Ashton Dulin, but Stuard’s return wasn’t in the cards.
That being said, the pairing of him with Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell seems like a match made in heaven from a pure football player’s perspective. From that standpoint, I’m excited for Stuard, but he may not be the only departure from the Colts linebacker corps.