Troy Reeder joins Jets practice squad and what it means
Troy Reeder’s addition to the New York Jets practice squad matters because the team has limited inside linebacker depth behind starters Demario Davis and Jamien Sherwood. He brings NFL experience and special teams value, but recent tape and grades raise questions about his ability to handle an expanded role.
The Jets signed Troy Reeder to their practice squad, per local reporter Connor Hughes and reporting from Ramblin Fan. That move creates a clear pathway for Reeder to be elevated if injuries or performance issues force the team to look past its two starters.
Key Takeaways
- Troy Reeder signed with the New York Jets practice squad to provide immediate inside linebacker depth and special teams ability.
- Reeder’s recent PFF grades of 45.7 and 57.9 highlight coverage and assignment concerns when he is asked into heavier defensive snaps.
- He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Delaware in 2019 and then spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.
- The signing is a low-risk roster move that gives the Jets a player who can be elevated quickly to the active roster if needed.
How Troy Reeder fits the Jets linebacker room
Reeder projects as a third-option inside linebacker who can step in on early downs and handle special teams snaps. In a room led by veteran Demario Davis and a more recently established Jamien Sherwood, Reeder offers experience rather than a long-term solution.
Rams origins and pro stops
Reeder began his career as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and spent the bulk of his pro life in Los Angeles, appearing in six seasons with the Rams. He also logged a brief stop with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022 before testing free agency again.
Career stops and PFF grade comparison
| Team/Stop | Role/Status | PFF grade cited |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams (2019–2024) | Primary club across six seasons; rotational linebacker and special teams contributor | 45.7 and 57.9 |
| Los Angeles Chargers (2022) | Brief stint as a depth option | N/A |
| Detroit Lions (2024 preseason) | Failed to make Detroit’s 53-man roster and entered free agency | N/A |
Why those PFF grades matter
The cited PFF grades point to areas that have troubled evaluators, chiefly coverage and assignment reliability when Reeder is asked into more complex snaps. Those marks matter because the Jets ask linebackers to handle horizontal coverage against tight ends and running backs.
Jets linebacker depth and short term roster implications
From a roster-construction standpoint, the signing raises the Jets’ immediate floor on game readiness by adding an experienced, special-teams-capable body. Reeder can be elevated quickly to the active roster if injury or performance issues demand it, but his historical coverage struggles suggest limitations if he is asked into an expanded role.
Local reporting by Connor Hughes first flagged the signing. The PFF grades referenced above come from Pro Football Focus assessments of Reeder’s recent play.
SEC roster and NIL implications for linebacker pathways
NFL practice-squad moves like Reeder’s underscore the pro pathway available to college linebackers and can influence how SEC recruits and their advisors view roster construction and NIL strategies. Seeing experienced, position-flexible players reach or remain in the league adds context for both recruiting narratives and how programs build depth at linebacker.
