Jets' first practice squad domino falls with addition of veteran linebacker

After Sunday night's roster cutdowns, NFL teams are beginning to shape their practice squads ahead of the 2026 regular season, and the New York Jets made their first addition with veteran linebacker Troy Reeder, per SNY's Connor Hughes.

Reeder spent the summer with the Detroit Lions, where he recorded seven tackles in three preseason contests. Prior to that, the seven-year veteran spent nearly his entire career with the Los Angeles Rams and one year with the Los Angeles Chargers, appearing in 106 games and starting 38.

The former Penn State standout almost immediately becomes the Jets' third-best linebacker. After revealing that Mykal Walker would be out for the season with an injury, New York desperately needed another addition to the room.

They get their guy in Reeder, who has plenty of NFL experience. Throughout his career, the 31-year-old has recorded 335 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, and two interceptions.

New York Jets find Mykal Walker replacement in Troy Reeder

The Jets only kept four linebackers on their initial 53-man roster, with Demario Davis, Jamien Sherwood, 2025 draft pick Kiko Mauigoa, and Marcelino McCrary-Ball making the cut. Walker may have made the cut too, had it not been for his season-ending preseason injury.

Regardless, New York needed someone to fill that void left behind as a core special-teamer, and Reeder fits that mold. Despite not contributing much on defense for the Rams in 2025, the veteran linebacker played 73% of Los Angeles' special teams snaps.

It seems he may also not be a horrendous option if injuries for him on the field. Pro Football Focus gave him a 73.9 overall grade for his efforts during the regular season in 2025, but he didn't play enough snaps to be ranked amongst his peers.

With a PFF coverage grade of 77.5 and a run-defense grade of 61.0, the Jets may trust the experienced defender over the likes of Mauigoa and McCrary-Ball in case of an injury to either Davis or Sherwood.

Still, the addition of Reeder shouldn't prevent the Jets from keeping tabs on other linebackers on the waiver wire. It's still one of their thinnest positions and could benefit from another addition, even if it's just a practice squad add.

Former Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe and Miami Dolphins linebacker Tyrel Dodson are names to keep an eye on as Monday's waiver claims continue to roll in.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow