Grant Stuard, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
Dee Eskridge #82 of the Miami Dolphins looks for yards after a catch in front of Grant Stuard #15 of the Detroit Lions.
The Los Angeles Rams are still working on their roster during the slower period of free agency, bringing veteran Grant Stuard into the mix.
A veteran of five NFL seasons, Stuard brings a proven track record to LA. He joins an oft-maligned group for the Rams under head coach Sean McVay. McVay has taken drastic measures to address the matter on multiple fronts.
The Rams can only hope Stuard is a part of the solution.
Former ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ Grant Stuard Joins Rams in Free Agency
Tyler Huntley of the Miami Dolphins runs with the ball as Grant Stuard of the Indianapolis Colts looks to make a stop
GettyTyler Huntley #18 of the Miami Dolphins runs with the ball as Grant Stuard #41of the Indianapolis Colts looks to make a stop
“Former #Lions special teams ace and linebacker Grant Stuard is signing w/ #Rams on a two year deal worth up to $5.05 million, per league source,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilon reported on X on March 12. “Stuard @UHCougarFB has made impact with #Buccaneers #Colts and Detroit, now takes his high-intensity game to LA Repped by @gradysports.”
“Former Mr. Irrelevant Grant Stuard now with #Rams on two-year, $5.05 million max value deal, has been very relevant in #NFL and in community. Conroe native and Oak Ridge graduate overcame significant family issues to make it to and succeed @UHCougarFB and in #NFL.”
The Athletic’s Nate Atkins corroborated the reporting, adding, “I covered this guy on the Colts. Great special teams coverage player and a super fun energy to add to the linebacker room.”
Stuard’s reputation as a special teams maven precedes him.
“Grant Stuard is the 18th overall special teamer from 2025 per PFF. He has familiarity with ST coordinator Bubba Ventrone,” “Downtown Rams” host Jake Ellenbogen posted in reaction to the news. “The #Rams met with Stuard pre-draft multiple times. It’s a great move and he can fight for playing time in that LB room as he has started games before including a 19 tackle performance in a single one.”
Rams Continue Special Teams Makeover
Grant Stuard
GettyGrant Stuard #48 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after defeating the Buffalo Bills.
Stuard is just the latest attempt by McVay to improve the Rams’ special teams. He joins new long snapper Joe Cardona and special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone on a group that has cost LA games over the past two seasons.
McVay fired former special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn in-season. He also changed from Joshua Karty to Harrison Mevis at kicker and from Alex Ward to Jake McQuaide at long snapper.
The only holdover from the core of the special teams is punter Ethan Evans.
“First of all, I am responsible for this. And I, obviously, didn’t do a good enough job with my responsibilities as a head coach. But what it really boiled down to, … was the confidence I have in this football team and where I think we can head, and where I think the areas of improvement are needed,” McVay told reporters in December after firing Blackburn.
“I have so much confidence in this group. …I think there’s been a lot of really good things that we’ve done. But at the end of the day, this was a departure. First and foremost, it’s my responsibility for us to do better in that phase.”
The Rams are running out of changes to make. They need Stuard to help address part of their need to be better on special teams in 2026 than they were in 2025.