In the coming weeks, we will be taking a closer look at each of the Indianapolis Colts’ unrestricted free agents and making a prediction as to whether or not they will return for the 2025 season.
Up next, let’s take a look at linebacker Grant Stuard. If you’ve missed any of our other free agency predictions, you can find them below.
During his four year tenure with the Colts, Stuard has primarily been a core special teams contributor. In three of the last four seasons, he has played at least 340 special teams snaps and done so steadily across five of the six different phases.
This year, with rookie Jaylon Carlies having a stint on injured reserve, Stuard took on a much larger role on defense as the Colts’ third linebacker when lining up in their base 4-3 look.
Stuard also stepped in as the nickel linebacker alongside Zaire Franklin when EJ Speed missed time as well.
He finished the season proving to be a reliable tackler, making 32 of his 35 attempts, according to PFF, and Stuard held pass catchers to only 6.0 yards per catch with that tackling ability helping him limit any YAC.
Stuard may not be a player that you’ll bank on having as one your starters going into a season, but in what is currently a fairly inexperienced Colts’ linebacker room with Speed also set to hit free agency, there is a lot of value that Stuard’s experience can provide off the bench if needed.
In addition to that, every team needs a prominent special teams player or two on their roster, which Stuard has been.
Lastly, this isn’t a re-signing that would break the bank by any means and it wouldn’t alter any other plans that the Colts might have at the linebacker position.
Prediction: Colts re-sign Stuard.
