The Detroit Lions have revamped their defensive front this offseason. Now, one of their newest additions has just been endorsed by an ex-Lions player.

Linebacker Grant Stuard spent the 2025 season with the Lions before departing in free agency. He has now given a bold prediction about the Lions’ new defensive end Payton Turner.

Stuard posted an Instagram story, which included a post by Turner who was wearing the Lions jersey, and had the caption, “10 PLUS SACKS WATCH.”

Stuard, who was Turner’s college teammate at the University of Houston, seems very optimistic about Turner’s move to the Lions. He had even commented under the Lions’ Instagram post, announcing Turner’s signing.

“Excellent. Perfect fit,” read the comment. 

Turner is coming off an injury-plagued season with the New Orleans Saints, but he did appear in all but one game in the 2024 season. However, he still has not played a game as a starter in the league. This is shocking, considering he was selected 28th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Injuries have held him back as he has only played 31 games since he got drafted. He has suffered injuries to his toe, foot, ankle, calf, knee, chest, ribs, and shoulders since coming to the league.

Stuard's prediction would require a massive jump in production from Turner, as he currently averages 0.16 sacks per game. In comparison, Lions' star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson averages 0.77 sacks per game.

However, his competition is free agent signing D.J. Wonnum, who averaged only 0.19 sacks last season with the Carolina Panthers, and Derrick Moore, who is a rookie selected in the second round.

If Turner can stay healthy and play well for a stretch of favourable games against teams with a weak offensive line, we could see Turner possibly coming close to Stuard's prediction.

It wouldn't be the first time that somebody massively overperforms, with Charles Harris having recorded 7.5 sacks in 2021, to the surprise of many.

Meanwhile, the Lions have been called out for failing to sign a key player

Detroit Lions Pass on Veteran CB Depth as Rasul Douglas Joins Washington

The Lions’ depth at the cornerback position is a cause for worry, especially after they released Terrion Arnold due to his legal issues. Now, the Lions have been called out for failing to sign cornerback Rasul Douglas.

The 30-year-old veteran finished last season with 13 passes defended, two interceptions, and 62 combined tackles in 13 starts.

He has now signed with the Washington Commanders on a one-year $3.8 million deal, much to the disappointment of Max DeMara of SideLion Report, who had recommended the Lions to sign him.

“In terms of a veteran presence to provide depth, the Lions could do worse,” wrote DeMara on July 5. “There isn’t much that Douglas hasn’t seen in the league, which could make him an interesting piece for a franchise that has a goal of winning big in 2026. He could add significant depth and upside for the Lions.”

As of right now, the Lions could target cornerbacks Trevon Diggs, Kenny Moore, or Tre’Davious White in free agency. While former Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore is also available, he is currently recovering from an ACL injury.

Meanwhile, the Lions have also been suggested to trade for Cleveland Browns star Denzel Ward by Sports Illustrated’s Vito Chirco.

What do you think the Lions should do? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Koushik Biswas