The Baltimore Ravens are losing players left and right following their Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers and now two more are gone, as safeties Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard have signed deals elsewhere.
According to ESPN.com, sources told ESPN that Reed is signing a deal with the Houston Texans, while Pollard is leaving the Ravens for a deal with the Tennessee Titans. ESPN's Josina Anderson got the news Thursday about Pollard, who said that he agreed with the team on a contract. Reed visited with the Texans this week, but did not sign a contract yet, although according to the report, that move is imminent.
Pollard has been one of the most consistent players over the past two years with Baltimore and he signed a three-year extension last season before being cut to help with the salary cap., Last year he made 71 tackles and one interceptions while injured and also delivered a punishing hit that caused an important turnover against the Patriots in the AFC championship game.
Since 2007 Pollard ranks second in the NFL in tackles and is fourth in sacks and forced fumbles, according to ESPN. Pollard marks another player the Ravens have lost since winning the title, including Anquan Boldin, Dannell Ellerbe, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Paul Kruger.
Pollard spoke about the move with ESPN, saying: "Oh wow, I can't say enough about Baltimore. They were great to me and my family. I will cherish that experience and the relationships I built with the people there for the rest of my life."
Reed earned $7.2 million last season and the Texans are hoping he can replace safety Glover Quin, who signed with the Lions. The team also lost James Casey and Connor Barwin and were looking to upgrade the secondary.
Reed has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL in his career with the Ravens and he has made the Pro Bowl nine times. He has played 11 years in Baltimore and has 61 career interceptions, the most in team history. He is a prolific player when it comes to statistics, scoring 14 touchdowns and according to ESPN.com, "he is the only player in NFL history to score on a punt return, a blocked punt, an interception and a fumble recovery.
The Ravens now could go after safety Michael Huff from the Oakland Raiders as well as free agent Charles Woodson from the Packers. Both players can be solid additions, although Woodson was injured last season. Huff was cut in a salary cap move by the Raiders.
