Ed Reed has officially cleared waivers after getting released from the Houston Texans earlier in the week. He can now officially sign with any team and while some say the veteran should be considering hanging up his cleats for good, it appears Reed could have a few possible suitors. After Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay joked about signing Reed, a few coaches are being a bit more honest.
Rex Ryan danced around the topic at his press conference on Wednesday while admitting he would love a player like Reed to join the team for a late-season run. Ryan simply said, "I could say absolutely, yes, I'd like him on our team."
"The big picture of right now, the current football team, I'm probably not the right guy to make all those decisions," Ryan said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "I think sometimes there's a comfort level in knowing guys, without question, guys that certainly played well for you. ... I'd like those guys, without question."
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jets have already been in contact with Reed about a possible reunion with Ryan. The two spent seven seasons together with the Baltimore Ravens between 2002 to 2008. Ryan has not been shy about referring to Reed as the greatest safety in the game.
Currently the Jets have secondary members that have history with Reed. Dawan Landry played safety next to Reed from 2006 to 2010. Antonio Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett round out the group, combining for two interceptions.
The New England Patriots appear to be the other team that could take a shot at the former Defensive Player of the Year. Naturally, Bill Belichick declined to comment on the matter, but some believe the coach's friendship with Reed could lead to a signing. Right now, the Patriots have Devin McCourty who handles the free safety role. Steve Gregory is injured so New England does need to fill the spot. Duron Harmon is playing well, so it is hard to see exactly how the Patriots might use Reed, but it was reported yesterday that the safety was spotted at Logan Airport. However, Twitter is not a credible source.
Reed will come cheap for whatever team wants him. A reunion with the Ravens has already been ruled out. John Harbaugh announced the team had no plans to change their personnel groupings and while he complemented Reed as a player he is not interested. The veteran will likely sign for the league's minimum. If he goes unsigned for the remainder of the year, it is likely Reed will be forced to retire.
