The Detroit Lions are adding another experienced voice to their defense just before veterans report to training camp.
Detroit has agreed to terms with linebacker Troy Reeder, according to his representation at EnterSports Management. The move gives the Lions a proven special-teams contributor and veteran insurance behind a linebacker group led by Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez.
Brad Holmes Knows Reeder Well
Reeder entered the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2019. At the time, current Lions general manager Brad Holmes was working in the Rams’ front office as director of college scouting.
That prior connection should give Detroit a strong understanding of Reeder’s makeup, preparation and potential fit inside Dan Campbell’s locker room.
The 31-year-old has appeared in 106 regular-season games, making 38 starts. He has recorded 335 tackles, five sacks, 12 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two interceptions across seven NFL seasons. Reeder also played in all 17 games for Los Angeles in 2025, finishing with 25 tackles.
Reeder Brings Championship Experience
Reeder was a member of the Rams team that won Super Bowl LVI following the 2021 season.
He started 10 games during that championship campaign and produced a career-high 91 tackles. While Detroit is unlikely to ask him to handle that kind of defensive workload, his experience could become valuable during camp and on special teams.
This is the type of late-July addition Holmes frequently favors. Reeder is familiar, affordable and experienced enough to compete immediately without requiring a major role.
Lions Add Competition at Linebacker
Detroit already has a crowded linebacker room, including Campbell, Barnes, Rodriguez, Joe Bachie, Damone Clark, Trevor Nowaske, Erick Hunter and rookie Jimmy Rolder.
Reeder will have to earn his place.
His clearest path to the final roster may come through special teams, where reliability and assignment discipline often decide the final few jobs. His starting experience also gives the Lions another emergency option if injuries strike.
Bottom Line
The Troy Reeder signing will not generate the attention of a blockbuster free-agent move, but it makes sense for the Lions before training camp.
Brad Holmes knows the player, Reeder understands how to contribute without being a featured defender, and his Super Bowl experience adds another veteran presence to a team with championship expectations.
Now he gets the chance to prove there is room for him on Detroit’s final 53-man roster.
