Sean McVay expects Rams' new special teams ace to help at LB, too
The Rams signed Grant Stuard to be their special teams ace, but Sean McVay thinks he'll help on defense, as well.
Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie were the headliners of the Los Angeles Rams ’ offseason, but the team made a couple of other notable additions in free agency. Grant Stuard got overlooked because he’s seen as primarily a special teams contributor , but the Rams see him as more than that. The former Detroit Lions special teams ace could also help the Rams on defense.
Sean McVay confirmed as much on “Bussin’ With The Boys” this week , saying that Stuard will “find a way to probably be able to contribute defensively, too. ” That’s an indication of the Rams’ belief in Stuard as a linebacker, as well as a core special teamer. “We were able to address some needs in free agency,” McVay said.
“We were able to sign Jaylen Watson and obviously trade for McDuffie. You add a long snapper, you add Grant Stuard, who’s a special teams stud – and he’ll find a way to probably be able to contribute defensively, too. ” Stuard didn’t get many chances to play defense for the Bucs, Colts or Lions before signing with the Rams this offseason.
He’s played just 299 total defensive snaps in five seasons, 229 of which came in one season in 2024. The Rams already have Nate Landman as one starter and Omar Speights projects as the second, but look out for Stuard. If he impresses in camp, he could challenge Speights for playing time at linebacker.