Les Snead's latest signing proves Troy Reeder era may have met its end

The Los Angeles Rams made another quiet signing Thursday in the form of Lions free agent linebacker Grant Stuard, who joins the team on a reported two-year, $5.05 million deal. Although a linebacker by position, Stuard is known more so for his special teams work. In 2025, he posted a career-best 83.0 Pro Football Focus grade in the category. 

Unfortunately for long-time Rams veteran linebacker Troy Reeder, the signing may put him out of a job, at least for the Blue and Yellow. After spending six of his seven seasons with the franchise, he is a free agent himself. In 2025, he occupied a nearly identical role to Stuard's in Detroit, as predominantly a special teams force.

Now Reeder's spot is effectively filled. Six seasons and 72 games played may be where his road ends in Los Angeles. All good things come to an end.

Perhaps this is where Reeder gets off.

Grant Stuard is a special teams upgrade over Troy Reeder 

For an all-around disaster of a special teams unit, Stuard is an excellent investment. The five-year pro played nearly 80% of available special teams snaps for the Lions, finishing the season with 19 total tackles. 

Now 27 years old out of Houston, Stuard is among the best at what he does.

As opposed to Reeder, he is something of a journeyman, making stops in Tampa, Indianapolis, and Detroit. The one season Reeder did not play for the Rams, he suited up for home games in the same stadium as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. 

While always active on the ST squad, Reeder began his career more involved in traditional defensive duties. From 2019-21, he made 25 starts, recorded 230 tackles, five sacks, and two interceptions. 

His role has been less consistent in his second Rams stint. In 2025, Reeder focused nearly exclusively on special teams, as he did in 2022 as a Charger. In 2024, the Rams used him almost entirely on normal downs. 

Other than that outlier season, Reeder has played at least 47% of special teams snaps every year. His 81 defensive snaps in 2025 were the fewest of his Horns career. Although inside linebacker is a need, the team may look elsewhere to address it. 

For now, that roster hole remains unfilled. Tackling special teams, though, was always going to be a priority this offseason, and the Stuard signing is one piece of the puzzle. It would hurt to see Reeder go, but Snead is worth trusting to make appropriate upgrades. Notably, Stuard is also four years younger. 

And, hey, maybe fans won't miss Reeder too much, after all. If he wants to stay close by and the Rams don't have room, he can always try to run it back with the Bolts.