Veteran free safety Ed Reed’s disappointing tenure with the Houston Texans officially ended Tuesday when he was released after a spiral that included the former Ravens defensive icon being scratched from the starting lineup and criticizing the Texans’ coaching staff.
Reed, the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is now subject to the NFL waiver system after signing a three-year, $15 million contract with the Texans in March that included $5 million in guaranteed money. Reed made nearly $5.5 million while playing seven games where he produced just 16 tackles with no interceptions, pass deflections or forced fumbles and was frequently beaten for big plays.
The Ravens, who drafted Reed in the first round of the 2002 NFL draft, aren’t expected to put in a waiver claim on the safety, according to two league sources.
The 35-year-old nine-time Pro Bowl selection is pondering his options, including whether he’ll retire, according to a source.
“Can Ed still play? He just can’t move the way he used to, and that’s why he’s not making plays,” said former NFL receiver Keyshawn Johnson, an ESPN analyst. “Here’s a guy with a Hall of Fame career who won a Super Bowl and is one of the all-time greats, so there’s nothing more he can add to his resume. Ed doesn’t need to play football.
“Money isn’t an issue, so it would serve him no purpose to keep playing. That’s when you’re disrespecting who he was as a player. If I’m him, I walk away and start my life after football. My advice to him: ‘It’s time to move on.’ It happens to everybody. One more interception or one more tackle won’t change how fast you get to the Hall of Fame, Ed.’”
The release came just two days after Reed played only a dozen snaps during a 27-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and said the team had been “outplayed and outcoached.”
“Eventually they’re going to figure out what you’re doing if you’re doing the same old things,” Reed said.
One day later, Reed stood by his words, saying: “I spoke the truth.”
Shortly after news broke of his release Tuesday, Reed tweeted: “Thanks to the Texans! And the City of Htown!”
Through his camp, Reed declined to issue a statement.
The Ravens are an unlikely destination considering Reed’s age and decline in play. The team also has been encouraged by the play of safeties James Ihedigbo and Matt Elam, who were factors during an overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday where Ihedigbo intercepted two passes and Elam was more active in breaking on the football.
Reed is expected to eventually retire as a member of the Ravens, perhaps signing a one-day ceremonial contract at some point.
The Ravens didn’t attempt to retain Reed as a free agent after his six-year, $40 million contract expired in March.
“It’s safe to say the Ravens were correct in their assessment of Ed,” former Ravens offensive lineman Wally Williams said. “When you reach a certain point, you have to be honest with yourself. As professional athletes, nobody wants to admit when it’s over. Ray Lewis’ passion and attitude were still there last season, but physically he wasn’t competing at the same high level.
“It’s hard to admit, ‘I can’t run with these guys, I can’t cover, I can’t be the same type of player.’ I don’t foresee the Ravens trying to bring Ed back. They’ve moved on and he’s moved on.”
