There is no question that the Baltimore Ravens' main priority in the offseason was to get quarterback Joe Flacco signed to a new contract. Now that the deal is done with Flacco, the team now has to focus on what to do with upcoming free agents. Safety Ed Reed is one of those free agents playing the waiting game. The veteran player claims the team has not called him to speak on a new contract.
"I haven't spoken to anyone. Hopefully, that call comes soon," Reed said.
Reed has completed a six-year, $44.5 million contract with the Super Bowl Champions and is now set to be an unrestricted free agent. If general manager Ozzie Newsome does not contact Reed, he will hit the open market on March 12. Reed will have high expectations on a new contract. He made $7.2 million last season, but at 34, he might not get the large contract he is hoping for. Past injuries will also hurt his chances with a big contract. He has a lingering nerve impingement in his neck and his range has declined because of it. Reed hopes to be paid based on what he has done in the past, but his current abilities do not compare.
Reed also is operating without an agent. He fired his representation a few years ago. He is entitled to operate as his own agent. Reed has business advisors that can help with his lack of representation. Despite all of that, Reed still plans on being a Raven for the rest of his career.
"I'm a Raven, I plan on being a Raven. I couldn't see me anywhere else right now. If it happens, I'm a football player. I can adapt to any situation," Reed said.
The Ravens could give Reed the Ray Lewis treatment. The team allowed Lewis to test out the free agent and see what kind of deal he could get before ultimately signing back with the team. Reed has history with other coaches in the league. Chuck Pagano coached him in college and could be an easy candidate to give Reed a contract on a new team.
