Los Angeles Rams linebacker Troy Reeder was an unrestricted free agent. However, the team just re-signed him to a one-year deal.
According to Sports Illustrated, “Reeder may not be a starter given the Rams’ current depth chart, but he has proven to be a valuable piece of the defense even in a rotational role.”
Troy Reeder — Background Information
29-year-old Troy Reeder grew up in Delaware. He is the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Dan Reeder. He was twice named first-team All-State in high school and was named the Delaware Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. ESPN rated him a four-star prospect.
He received offers from Miami, Boston College, Maryland, and Pittsburgh, but chose to attend Penn State.
As a redshirt freshman, Reeder became Penn State’s starting middle linebacker and was named to the Big Ten Conference All Freshman team. However, following that season, he transferred to the University of Delaware. His younger brother, Colby, played on the Delaware team, and that was one of the reasons Troy decided to transfer.
He played for Delaware from 2016 through 2018 and was twice named first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). His father also played collegiately for Delaware.
Troy Reeder’s Tenure With the Los Angeles Rams
In 2019, the Rams signed Reeder as an undrafted free agent. He has spent his entire NFL career with the Rams, except for the 2022 season, which he spent with the Los Angeles Chargers.
As reported by NBC Sports:
“He has spent four of his five NFL seasons with the Rams, including in 2023 when he totaled 23 tackles in 17 games, with six starts.
“Reeder spent the 2022 season with the Chargers.
“He has appeared in 83 regular-season games with 31 starts. Reeder has recorded 241 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, 17 pressures, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, six pass breakups, nine passes defended, eight quarterback hits and nine hurries.
“Reeder also has played seven postseason games with five starts and was a member of the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI win against the Bengals at SoFi Stadium. He has totaled 36 tackles, two pressures, two passes defended, one pass breakup, two pressures, and two quarterback hits in postseason action.”
In the 2023 season, Reeder’s salary was $1,080,000. As noted above, he did start six games in 2023 The but primarily played special teams.
The Announcement of Reeder’s Re-Signing
On April 11, 2024, the Rams announced the re-signing of Reeder. News of the deal was promulgated on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The terms of Reeder’s new deal with the Rams have yet to be released.
Rams News Wire notes the impact of the re-signing of Reeder:
“Reeder provides some solid depth for the Rams behind expected starters Christian Rozeboom and Ernest Jones. A solid, reliable veteran with plenty of experience, keeping Reeder likely allows the Rams to focus elsewhere in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft….
“The re-signing of Reeder may not be [a] game-changing move for the Rams, but it certainly provides a bit of insurance and gives them a trusted veteran to have around.”
Reeder Looks to Play a Significant Role for the Rams in 2024
Athlon Sports forecasts Reeder will play a greater role for the Rams in 2024 than he did in 2023, when he started in six games.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) rated Reeder the 27th best linebacker in the league in 2020.
Reeder is currently listed second on the Rams’ depth chart at the inside linebacker position, behind Christian Rozeboom.
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