Although the Los Angeles Rams are hoping to avoid too much turnover to their roster this offseason, they will still be searching the market for some potential additions.
Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed is among the notable names set to test the waters of free agency. He became a cap casualty after being released by Washington in their efforts to shore up $8.5 million in space.
Despite his track record with injuries, Reed has made it clear that he plans on playing in the 2020 NFL Season. It appears the Rams have emerged as potential suitors.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Los Angeles has been in contact with Reed this offseason and hope to get a deal done:
Rams have spoken to former Washington TE Jordan Reed about a potential signing, per source. Reed is training in Miami and still wants to play.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 28, 2020
The Rams’ interest in Reed hardly comes as any surprise. He already has a connection with head coach Sean McVay after the pair got well-acquainted during their days in Washington. It appears McVay is still intrigued by what the veteran brings to the table.
Reed enjoyed his best years under McVay’s tutelage to start his career and even managed to make a Pro Bowl in 2016. When healthy, he established himself as one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the NFL. His rare combination of size and speed make him a matchup nightmare for smaller defenders in the passing game.
Unfortunately, it remains to be seen if Jordan can get back on track with his health. There have long been concerns regarding his durability and his absence during the entire 2019 NFL Season with concussion symptoms only serve to solidify this notion. Regardless, it seems Los Angeles may be willing to give him another shot.
The Rams’ targeting Reed is certainly intriguing considering they already have two talented tight ends on the roster in Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett. This only raised further questions regarding Everett’s uncertain future with the team.
McVay has made it clear that Higbee is poised to transition to a complete tight end role for the Rams as a blocker and receiver thanks to his stellar performance down the stretch of the 2019 campaign. This has seemingly left Everett as the odd man out and rumors have begun to swirl about him becoming a trade asset.
Since Higbee is primed to receive the bulk of the snaps at tight end anyway moving forward, this makes the Reed signing much less risky in the event that his injury woes continue.
