The Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans are getting ready to battle it out for Ed Reed. The team with the better offer will likely win the fight for the veteran safety. After deciding to test out free agency, Reed spent time in serious talks with the Houston Texans on Thursday and Friday. However, Reed left Houston with no deal in place. The ball is Baltimore Ravens' court to try and win back their defensive star.
The nine-time Pro Bowler spent two days in heavy talks with the Texans. The team did everything they could to win him over.The team has lost numerous players to free agency, including safety Glover Quin to Detroit. Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson spoke out on Friday believing the team could sign Reed. The two went out to dinner on Thursday, joined by other members of the organization. Reed and Johnson played college football together at the University of Miami. Johnson is hoping to reunite with his former teammate.
Johnson is currently earning around $38.5 million in salary over the next two years. He said he would be willing to restructure his contract in order to get Reed to Texas. However, Reed left Texas after not being satisfied with the offer by the team. Reed would help fill the safety void left by Quin.
The Baltimore Ravens are now looking at ways they can try and retain Reed. After a disappointing start to free agency where the team has been stripped of many of its previous Super Bowl stars, they need to keep Reed to help a rather empty roster. At 34-years old, Reed has played 11 seasons win Baltimore. He is the franchise leader with 61 interceptions. He has 1,541 return yards which is also an NFL record. He has been hampered by neck injuries in recent years, but that has not stopped him from being highly productive. He played the entire season last year, recording 58 tackles and a team-high four interceptions.
Texas is reportedly not giving up on Reed. They are scheduled to attend the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix next week along with team officials of the Baltimore Ravens. One team is expected to walk away with a deal for Reed.
