Ed Reed, the nine-time Pro Bowl safety with the champion Baltimore Ravens, reportedly turned down a free agent contract offer from the Houston Texans worth about $12 million, according to the Baltimore Sun.
The 34-year-old Reed is seeking a similar salary to the $7.2 million he earned last year. One of the overwhelming issues why Reed may not command the $7 million salary, however, is his declining age.
Reed, who is an 11-year veteran, missed 15 tackles last season, which tied is tied for seventh-most among safeties, according to ProFootballFous.com. But he did haul in four interceptions last season, as well as 15 pass deflections as the Ravens captured their second Super Bowl title.
The Texans would ultimately wanted to land Reed because they ranked seventh in yards per pass attempt. Safety Glover Quin signed with the Detroit Lions in free agency, which led the Texans to pursue Reed.
Houston went 12-4 last season, making it the Divisional Round of the playoffs before being defeated by the New England Patriots, 41-28. Tom Brady torched its secondary for 344 yards and three touchdowns in that game.
Meanwhile, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said on NFL Network’s “NFL Total Access” on Tuesday that he is confident that Reed will ultimately decide to stay with the organization. But Bisciotti quickly put into perspective how it may be tough to sign Reed to a new contract feasible for both sides, due to the approaching salary-cap restraints.
“It will be tough, but we’ve got guys that will fill in,” Bisciotti said. “Ed is a special guy and I’m encouraged that Ozzie’s still talking with him.”
The Ravens and Texans are continuing to talk to Reed while he continues to wait for a better offer, but he does not have the luxury to keep waiting if he wishes to play next season because they will clearly move on.
