Rams Boost Their Special Teams by Signing Linebacker Grant Stuard
Rams Sign Linebacker Grant Stuard to Strengthen Special Teams
The Los Angeles Rams have announced the signing of linebacker Grant Stuard, aiming to revamp a struggling special teams unit from the previous season. The team confirmed the two-year contract on Monday, as they look to address deficiencies that hindered their performance last year.
Stuard, who captained the Detroit Lions last season, was initially selected as the final pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay. Following a year with the Buccaneers, he spent three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before joining the Lions.
Though he has only had substantial defensive playtime in one of his five NFL seasons, Stuard has excelled on special teams. Last season, he participated in 79% of the Lions’ special teams snaps and also returned three kickoffs.
The Rams are undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of their special teams following a tumultuous season that negatively impacted an otherwise strong campaign, culminating in an NFC Championship game appearance. In a rare in-season staff change, head coach Sean McVay dismissed special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn last December.
Newly appointed special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, who coached Stuard with the Colts in 2022, is expected to make a significant impact. Ventrone previously enjoyed a successful three-year tenure with the Cleveland Browns.
In addition to Stuard, the Rams bolstered their special teams by signing veteran long snapper Joe Cardona last week. Cardona, a two-time Super Bowl champion, returns to Southern California after a decade with the New England Patriots and one season with the Miami Dolphins.
Issues with missed blocking assignments and tackling plagued the Rams’ special teams late last season, highlighted by a critical muffed punt by Xavier Smith during the NFC title game against Seattle.
Amid these changes, the Rams plan to retain promising kicker Harrison Mevis, who lessened the impact of these struggles by missing only one of his 67 combined attempts at field goals and extra points after taking over for Joshua Karty mid-season. Additionally, punter Ethan Evans is expected to return for the upcoming season.
