Rams Sign OL Garrett Reynolds
Myles Simmons Rams Insider @MylesASimmons
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The Rams have added another in free agency, signing offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds.
“I’m extremely excited,” Reynolds told stlouisrams.com. “Being around the environment today, the atmosphere of the coaching staff, and I met some of the players -- they just all seemed excited about being here. It was just a great energy here, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Originally a fifth-round pick by the Falcons in 2009, Reynolds has shown the versatility to play both guard and tackle, as saw significant time at both positions for the Lions last year.
The offensive lineman played 42 games (23 starts) for Atlanta before signing with Detroit as a free agent in July of last year. While he was released in the last round of cuts in August, the Lions re-signed Reynolds a week into the season and he played in 10 games, making four starts in 2014.
He played his college ball at North Carolina, where he was a three-year starter and earned second team All-ACC distinction from the Associated Press.
Signing with the Rams holds some sentimental value to Reynolds, as his uncle, Jack Reynolds, was drafted by the franchise in the first round of the 1970 draft. Better known by his nickname, “Hacksaw,” Jack Reynolds spent 14 years in the NFL, playing with the Rams from 1970-1980.
“I’ve got my uncle’s helmet sitting on my desk back home,” Reynolds said. “It’s just something I’ve seen my whole life. I’ve watched some of his old game tape, especially in my younger years -- in middle school, high school -- and it was just something I’ve always seen. So it’s exciting to get back to it.”
Having spent five seasons in the league, Reynolds said that he sees himself as one of the older guys on the line.
“My goal is to come in here and make an impact and try to help out some of these young guys,” Reynolds said. “The best thing I can do is try to bring some of those guys along and show them some things I’ve learned along the way.”
“I’m very excited,” he added. “It’s an honor to play for the same team my uncle played for. I’m excited for my family and I’m pumped up to be here.”