The reality that Ed Reed might be finished in the NFL is looking truer by the day. The safety signed a $5 million deal with the Houston Texans in the offseason after the Baltimore Ravens opted not to re-sign their longtime defensive star. Reed made exactly five starts before getting the boot. Now relying on another team's interest, more organizations a saying no than yes.
Houston originally brought in the 35-year-old to help their struggling secondary and hopefully capitalize on another postseason run. However things never worked out. Reed had offseason hip surgery and was reduced to a reserve role upon return. He did not post a single interception during the seven games he was active in. After complaining about the coaching in Houston's Week 10 loss to the Cardinals, Reed was promptly released.
If there was any hope the veteran safety could return to Baltimore where he played his best years, John Harbaugh squashed it. The head coach announced on Wednesday during a team press conference that the Ravens had no intentions of changing up the personnel group in the secondary.
"There are no plans to change our secondary personnel at this time," Harbaugh said, via ESPN.com. "We're happy with what we have. Our guys are playing well, so that's where we're at. Ed is a Raven, and he'll always be a Raven. I'm sure he'll be in the ring of honor someday, and I'm sure he'll be in the Hall of Fame someday. We've kept in contact with Ed, on and off here regularly. He's a good friend of everybody here."
The Ravens are set keeping veteran James Ihedigbo and first-round pick Matt Elam. The former Defensive Player of the Year will have to settle as being call one of the former Ravens greats, rather than a current Raven.
Meanwhile, over in Indianapolis, Colts owner Jim Irsay is making a few jokes at the expense of Reed. The king of Twitter, hoped online and asked fans if the team should signed the safety as a wide receiver while also playing a role in the return game. It is safe to say that Reed is likely not laughing.
Is Reed's career over? There is chance that one team could take a shot at the veteran. Only teams in contention of the playoffs will probably consider bringing in Reed. If he remains unsigned throughout the remainder of the year, there is almost no chance of Reed getting a contract in 2014.
