Another former Ram, Troy Reeder, is part of Chargers’ scheme to rebuild defense

He modified groups and conferences however not languages, Troy Reeder’s new job nonetheless permitting him to talk Staley.

Familiarity has been a theme of this offseason rebuild for head coach Brandon Staley and his Chargers protection, the addition of Reeder simply the newest transfer.

The linebacker reunited together with his former defensive coordinator with the Rams by signing as a free agent final week, Reeder becoming a member of the Chargers already comfy with the verbiage, ideas and methods of Staley’s system.

He arrived after the Chargers added two different former Staley defenders: edge rusher Khalil Mack in a commerce with Chicago and deal with Sebastian Joseph-Day by way of free company from the Rams.

“You’re type of in search of some familiarity,” Reeder mentioned Monday of buying a brand new group. “There’s all the time a consolation facet to it.”

On the identical day the Chargers formally opened their offseason program, they launched their latest free-agent signees in Reeder, tight finish Gerald Everett and kicker returner DeAndre Carter.

Whereas making an attempt to improve a protection that struggled notably in opposition to the run and on third down in 2021, Staley has introduced in three gamers he trusts and who know the scheme.

Mack will begin reverse Joey Bosa on the surface of the defensive entrance, and Joseph-Day will begin inside.

Reeder provides the Chargers another choice in a linebacker rotation that features Drue Tranquill and Kenneth Murray Jr., whereas additionally providing a veteran presence on particular groups.

Murray introduced on social media final week that he had undergone ankle surgical procedure. The Chargers allowed linebacker Kyzir White, their main tackler final season, to depart in free company.

Requested in regards to the significance of being conversant in Staley and his protection because it pertains to enchancment subsequent season, Reeder mentioned, “I believe it’s simply going to allow us to hop in faster and have success early.”

One of many points the Chargers had final season was a studying curve that stunted the protection’s progress. In a scheme that depends on all 11 gamers working in unison, the Chargers too typically had crippling particular person breakdowns.

Reeder defined that communication — that’s, making certain that everybody is executing the identical Xs and O’s — is significant. He mentioned communication is especially necessary at security and linebacker. Professional Bowl security Derwin James Jr. is the Chargers’ defensive play caller.

“The extra guys that understand it, the higher,” Reeder mentioned. “Communication must be at a premium if you wish to do what we need to do.”

Undrafted out of Delaware, Reeder spent the primary three seasons of his profession with the Rams. Underneath Staley in 2020, he completed with 81 tackles and three sacks whereas showing in 16 video games and making seven begins.

That efficiency got here after Staley put in his protection via an offseason program that was carried out nearly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was his first expertise being a defensive coordinator, but it surely didn’t really feel prefer it,” Reeder recalled. “He immediately simply grabbed us together with his consideration to element. The trouble that he was placing in was contagious. We felt like he took us to the subsequent degree. I really feel that right here … guys have purchased in to him as a pacesetter. This protection and this group, I believe, is prepared for the subsequent step.”

Final season Reeder performed a career-high 59% of the Rams’ regular-season defensive snaps and began three of 4 postseason video games as they received Tremendous Bowl LVI.

Together with the presence of Staley, he mentioned he was drawn to the Chargers by the group’s potential.

After the Chargers completed 9-8 and have been eradicated from playoff competition within the season finale, their defensive strikes have included signing Professional Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson. Offensively, they’re led by dynamic quarterback Justin Herbert, one other Professional Bowl choice.

“Each time there’s group with good construction, a group that’s able to win proper now that enters your imaginative and prescient,” Reeder mentioned, “it’s simply thrilling.”

He added: “I needed to play with one other group that had simply nearly as good a shot. … Simply from afar, watching this group develop, they’re harmful. Completely happy to hitch.”

Reeder additionally shall be reuniting with security Nasir Adderley, who performed at Delaware, and defensive deal with Austin Johnson. Reeder and Johnson spent one season collectively at Penn State. The Chargers signed Johnson as a free agent final month.

Like Reeder, Everett spent the 2020 season with the Rams and Staley. He performed final season with Seattle.

Everett mentioned he’s “ecstatic” to have the possibility to group with Herbert. He additionally mentioned he doesn’t view himself as a standard tight finish, as a substitute describing himself as an “athlete, playmaker and a group participant.”

After signing Everett, Staley spoke of his potential to line up all through the formation, together with within the slot and backfield.

Carter provides the Chargers a veteran returner. He was with Washington in 2021 and in addition has performed for Houston, Philadelphia and Chicago.

“You go on the market to make a play, to not not mess up,” Carter mentioned. “Attempt to carry some pleasure to the unit …being explosive, being enjoyable.”