New Chargers linebacker Troy Reeder speaks during a news conference Monday. He is reuniting with Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, his former defensive coordinator with the Rams. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
He changed teams and conferences but not languages, Troy Reeder’s new job still allowing him to speak Staley.
Familiarity has been a theme of this offseason rebuild for head coach Brandon Staley and his Chargers defense, the addition of Reeder just the latest move.
The linebacker reunited with his former defensive coordinator with the Rams by signing as a free agent last week, Reeder joining the Chargers already comfortable with the verbiage, concepts and techniques of Staley’s system.
He arrived after the Chargers added two other former Staley defenders: edge rusher Khalil Mack in a trade with Chicago and tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day via free agency from the Rams.
“You’re kind of looking for some familiarity,” Reeder said Monday of shopping for a new team. “There’s always a comfort aspect to it.”
On the same day the Chargers officially opened their offseason program, they introduced their newest free-agent signees in Reeder, tight end Gerald Everett and kicker returner DeAndre Carter.
While attempting to upgrade a defense that struggled particularly against the run and on third down in 2021, Staley has brought in three players he trusts and who know the scheme.
Mack will start opposite Joey Bosa on the outside of the defensive front, and Joseph-Day will start inside.
Reeder gives the Chargers another option in a linebacker rotation that includes Drue Tranquill and Kenneth Murray Jr., while also offering a veteran presence on special teams.
Murray announced on social media last week that he had undergone ankle surgery. The Chargers allowed linebacker Kyzir White, their leading tackler last season, to depart in free agency.
Asked about the importance of being familiar with Staley and his defense as it relates to improvement next season, Reeder said,…