Around the time free agency started, the Rams announced the release of offensive linemen Jake Long and Scott Wells. Those releases, added on with the fact that offensive lineman Joe Barksdale and Tim Barnes are now free agents, leave the Rams in need of more depth at the offensive line position.
On Wednesday, they took the first step towards fixing that problem, by announcing the signing of Garrett Reynolds.
A fifth round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the 6’7″ / 310 lb Reynolds, nephew of former 49ers and Rams linebacker Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds, played with the Detroit Lions during the 2014 season, switching between right guard and right tackle in the 10 games he was in. He was originally a backup at the tackle position, eventually becoming a starter when injuries began to take their toll on the Lions’ offensive line.
Prior to the 2014 season, he had spent the first five seasons of his career with the Atlanta Falcons, and had some success protecting Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan, but he struggled to consistently hold onto his starting position.
The signing of Reynolds reunites him with Rams offensive line coach Paul Boudreau, who was the offensive line coach for the Falcons from 2009 until the 2011 season.
According to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the deal is for two-years, and $2.2 million. Also according to Thomas, it can max out to $4.2 million with incentives.
Bringing in Reynolds doesn’t solve the Rams’ issues at offensive line, in both terms of depth and durability. However, it is a start, and they will look to continue to have a strong free agency period, and build up a strong, successful line to protect new quarterback Nick Foles.
(Photo credit: FOX Sports)
