New Detroit Lions linebacker Grant Stuard had several options in free agency, including teams with more roster openings.

Still, he opted for Detroit on a one-year contract, emphasizing the team’s culture, playing style, and the opportunity to contribute to a contender.

The 26-year-old spent the past three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts after being drafted in the seventh round by the Houston Texans in 2021.

Over four years, he played in 17 games during three seasons, missing only two games overall. Last season, he started five games for the Colts, proving his defensive ability after accumulating over 1,200 special teams snaps.

“Culture, first and foremost. Watching Detroit, playing against them, and seeing my family support them since Campbell arrived—I felt like I knew a lot about them,” Stuard said.

“They’re widely covered. I love working hard, improving, and being coached. I want to be the best version of myself every day, and this is an environment that fosters that.”

“After talking with my agent and former teammates like Pat O’Connor, it became clear. If this is the kind of player I am, then this is the kind of team I should be on. It just felt like the right fit.”

Detroit’s linebacker group is deep, led by veteran captain Alex Anzalone and former first-round pick Jack Campbell. The team also re-signed Derrick Barnes on a three-year, $25.5 million deal and brought back Anthony Pittman, Trevor Nowaske, and Ezekiel Turner.

Malcolm Rodriguez remains in the mix, reinforcing both the linebacker unit and special teams.

“I think it’s clear that Detroit focuses on putting the best 11 on the field in every situation,” Stuard said. “In Indy, I’d come in against players like Lamar Jackson to blitz or spy. That’s something Detroit does, too. At the end of the day, I’m here to compete.”

Stuard isn’t concerned about playing time, even after getting his first real defensive opportunity last season.

“If I’m not playing much on a great team, that just motivates me to get better,” Stuard said. “I could have joined a team that isn’t as strong or one with more uncertainty at linebacker—I had those options.

But I’m excited to contribute here, improve, and learn from established players.”

He added that his most significant growth came from learning alongside Zaire Franklin in Indianapolis. Now, he’s looking forward to working with Detroit’s linebackers and reuniting with Malcolm Rodriguez, his Senior Bowl teammate.

Stuard could have joined a team in need of starting linebackers, especially after his standout Week 7 performance. In his first career start, he racked up 19 tackles, including one for loss, while playing a career-high 64 defensive snaps.

Still, he isn’t worried about that. Despite proving himself on defense, he’s entering a team where playing time will be hard to come by, especially with an already established special teams unit.

“Yeah, I spoke with (special teams) coach (Dave) Fipp today,” Stuard said. “I asked him a few questions, and he got to know me a little. It’s all about connection.

I didn’t know much about him until we were preparing to play Detroit, so I studied both him and the team.”

“The biggest thing we have in common is energy,” Stuard continued. “That stood out when I met him, and I’ve heard the same from others. I bring a lot of energy to the field, and that’s how I play.”