The Detroit Lions are bringing veteran linebacker Troy Reeder aboard, filling a roster vacancy left by the waiving of cornerback Teriron Arnold. This move dropped just ahead of training camp, and it says a lot about what Brad Holmes and the Lions are prioritizing as they build out this roster.
The Reunion That Was Years In The Making
This isn’t just some random veteran signing. Back in 2019, Troy Reeder kicked off his NFL journey with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent. Guess who was the Rams’ director of college scouting then? None other than current Lions general manager Brad Holmes. You know Holmes has a rock-solid grasp on exactly the kind of player and person Reeder is. That’s a huge factor.
Reeder, even as an undrafted guy, wasn’t just a camp body. He made the Rams’ roster his rookie season, playing in all 16 games and even snagging eight starts. The next two seasons? Every single game, logging an additional 17 starts. He was a key piece of the Super Bowl-winning 2021 Rams team. After that, he bounced from the Chargers to the Vikings before landing back with the Rams for the past three seasons. Last year, he was in every game for the Rams again. We’re talking 106 career game appearances and 38 starts, folks. This dude knows how to stick around.
Special Teams Ace With A Chance
If you’re looking at Reeder’s career, one thing screams at you: special teams. He’s logged a whopping 1,750 special teams snaps compared to 2,109 defensive snaps. Last year, he was almost exclusively on special teams, racking up 328 snaps there versus just 81 on defense. At 6-foot-3, 234 pounds, he might be a bit undersized for a traditional linebacker, but his athletic profile is super strong, making him a phenomenal special teamer and a capable coverage defender.
So, what does this mean for Detroit? Reeder’s got a very real shot at making this roster. While the Lions’ top four linebackers like Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and rookie Jimmy Rolder seem set, Reeder isn’t coming for their jobs. He’ll be battling it out with guys like Trevor Nowaske and Damone Clark for a reserve role, specifically targeting that special teams spot. You know the Lions value those unsung heroes, right?
This isn’t merely a depth signing. Reeder is a guy who knows the system, knows the GM, and brings a track record of winning and special teams grit. As training camp kicks off, every eye will be on Reeder fighting for that reserve spot. The stakes are real. Will his experience be enough to lock it down? Detroit fans better be watching!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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