Brad Holmes Just Added More Bodies to the Linebacker Battle
The Lions are signing former Rams linebacker Troy Reeder just before training camp kicks off. The move adds another veteran to a linebacker room that already features a battle between Malcolm Rodriguez and rookie Jimmy Rolder for the weakside spot.
Reeder has been around since 2019. He brings 106 regular season games of experience and 38 starts to the table. He spent six seasons with the Rams and was part of their Super Bowl winning team in 2021. He also bounced through the Chargers and had a brief stint on the Vikings practice squad.
What Happened to Him in Los Angeles
Reeder graded out well during his first run with the Rams when he was getting significant defensive snaps. His second stint started promisingly but a hamstring injury in 2024 cost him the rest of that season.
In 2025 he fell behind the competition on the Rams depth chart. He played just 85 snaps on defense, buried behind Omar Spates at inside linebacker. When he hit free agency the Rams decided not to bring him back.
That tells you what you need to know about where he is right now.
This Does Not Change the Rolder Timeline
Here is the thing. This signing does not change much for Jimmy Rolder’s trajectory.
At this point Rolder should be considered the favorite to win that weakside linebacker job. Rodriguez might start things off with the first team reps when camp opens, but expect Rolder to grab the starting role before the regular season begins.
The real value Reeder brings is on special teams. That is where he has played the majority of his snaps throughout his career and he has been a solid contributor in that phase. When you get down to the bottom of the linebacker room and you are talking about the fifth or sixth guy on the 53 man roster you are not looking for someone who can be a difference maker on defense. You are looking for guys who can play well on special teams.
Reeder fits that profile.
Who Gets Released to Make Room
We do not have an answer for that yet. Despite Brian Branch, Tyler Conklin, and Kerby Joseph all landing on the PUP list recently those players still count toward the 90 man roster. That means Detroit will need a corresponding move to make room for Reeder.
We just do not know what it is.
The bigger question is how many linebackers the Lions want to carry when they trim the roster down to 53. Do they keep four? Five? Six?
If Reeder can prove his worth on special teams during the preseason he absolutely has a shot at sticking around on the back end of the roster. We will see how it plays out once camp gets rolling.
Do you think Reeder makes the final 53 or is this just a warm body until the real cuts start? Drop your take below.
