Troy Reeder has been a consistent part of the Los Angeles Rams linebacker core for the last three seasons. Starting in eight, seven and 10 games, respectively, since 2019, Reeder is yet to miss a game in the NFL.
However, Reeder struggled mightily in his third NFL season. While he finished with career-highs in tackles (91), interceptions (2), and pass deflections (6), he was often seen at the wrong end of a blown coverage, slowly losing playing time as the season went along.
Now, as he entered restricted free agency, the Rams reportedly decided not to tender Reeder a contract, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
The #Rams are not tendering Troy Reeder, source said. He started 10 games at LB last year and had 91 tackles and two sacks.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2022
Because Reeder entered free agency after his third season, he was a restricted free agent. This means that the Rams could have tendered him a qualifying offer, giving them the ability to match any free agent offer he receives or get draft compensation if he goes elsewhere.
However, the risk is that the qualifying offer is generally a larger contract than the player is worth, meaning Reeder could have accepted that and the Rams would have to pay him an inflated deal. Instead, they chose to forgo his free agency altogether.
Now, Reeder becomes an unrestricted free agent, capable of signing with any team while having no allegiance to the Rams. With L.A. looking to re-sign Von Miller, potentially bring in Bobby Wagner, and continue to develop standout rookie Ernest Jones, there simply wasn’t a need for Reeder on the roster.
Hopefully, Reeder can find a home elsewhere in the NFL. There are a number of teams in the market for linebacker help, and in small doses, Reeder has been able to prove his value to the Rams over the past three years.
Miller hoping to work it out with Rams
Despite several social media posts hinting a return to the Denver Broncos, Miller maintains interest in returning to the Rams. According to reports, Miller and the Rams plan to work out a contract before he speaks with any other team, essentially giving L.A. the first right of refusal.
