Detroit added another veteran to its defense, and Troy Reeder’s experience could quietly strengthen the Lions’ linebacker depth entering the 2026 season.
With training camp underway, the Detroit Lions are continuing to add to their roster, signing veteran linebacker Troy Reeder to a one-year, $1.17 million contract. While the move may not generate the same excitement as a marquee free-agent signing, it provides the Lions with an experienced linebacker who can add depth and contribute on special teams.
Reeder enters his eighth NFL season after spending time with the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. He is expected to compete for the backup linebacker role behind All-Pro Jack Campbell while also fighting for snaps on Detroit’s special teams unit.
The veteran originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019, signing with the Rams. That connection is noteworthy because Lions general manager Brad Holmes was serving as the Rams’ director of college scouting at the time, giving him firsthand familiarity with Reeder’s game and development.
Since entering the league, Reeder has appeared in 106 career games, making 38 starts. Throughout his career, he has proven to be a dependable depth option capable of stepping into a larger role when needed.
His career production includes 335 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions, 12 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and eight quarterback hits. Those numbers reflect a linebacker who has contributed in multiple phases of the game, whether stopping the run, rushing the passer or dropping into coverage.
The best season of Reeder’s career came in 2021 with the Rams. He started 10 games and posted career highs with 91 tackles and six tackles for loss. He also recorded two interceptions, six pass breakups and two sacks and has a Super Bowl to his name.
Last season, Reeder earned a 73.9 overall Pro Football Focus defensive grade, ranking among the better qualified linebackers in the NFL. His strongest area was coverage, where he posted a 77.5 grade. He also finished with a 61.0 run-defense grade and a 59.4 pass-rush grade. While his statistical production was limited, recording seven solo tackles, he was credited with just one missed tackle all season and allowed a 97.4 passer rating when targeted in coverage.
Although those numbers came in limited opportunities, they show Reeder remains a fundamentally sound linebacker who can be trusted when called upon.
In Detroit, Reeder will likely compete with Damone Clark for the backup middle linebacker role behind Campbell. Clark offers more youth and athletic upside, while Reeder brings nearly a decade of NFL experience and familiarity with what Holmes values in linebackers.
Joining a team just before training camp is never easy, as Reeder will have limited time to learn the defensive system and build chemistry with his new teammates. However, his extensive NFL experience should help shorten that learning curve.
Whether Reeder ultimately earns a spot as Campbell’s primary backup or carves out a role on special teams, his veteran presence gives the Lions another experienced option at linebacker. As training camp continues, his battle with Clark will be one of the quieter competitions to watch, but it could prove important for Detroit’s defensive depth heading into the 2026 season.
