Veteran S Reed joins the Jets
Veteran safety Ed Reed, who was released by the Houston Texans on Tuesday, agreed to terms on a contract with the New York Jets on Thursday and was on the practice field, the team announced.
It's not known whether Reed will play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, but he already knows coach Rex Ryan's defense. Reed played for Ryan when Ryan served as a defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens. The following week, the Jets travel to Baltimore.
"That hasn't really been communicated," Reed said of his status for Sunday. "Like I told Coach (Ryan), I'm willing to do whatever he wants me to do. ... Whatever Coach needs, if it's special teams or defense, he knows I'm willing to do that."
Reed said the New England Patriots also expressed interest, but he chose the Jets because of his familiarity with Ryan's system.
"Going in there (New England) and trying to learn a new system probably would have been difficult," Reed said. "I'm sure they probably thought about that too, but when I talked to Rex and Dennis (Thurman), everything else was kind of out the window."
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported Reed underwent a lengthy physical Thursday morning that left the Jets comfortable with his health.
"He'll be a great signing for us," Ryan said. "He's gonna help this football team, without question."
In Houston, Reed didn't contribute much, but if the 35-year-old Reed has anything left, he could make a difference for the Jets down the stretch as they fight for a playoff spot.
"That's what I'm coming here to do with the guys, just concentrate and go week to week," Reed said. "I know Rex's ultimate goal. I don't have to harp on that. I know what he plays this game for. I know what he coaches for. So I'm just coming in and I'm filling in, doing my role."
Reed was released by the Texans after criticizing the coaching staff following last Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Reed said the Texans were "outplayed" and "outcoached."
Asked why it didn't work out for him in Houston, Reed said, "A lot of reasons, but to put it simply for you, it just wasn't a good fit. It wasn't a good fit. There are a lot of people down there I have a lot of respect for, including that whole locker room. I have a lot of respect for those guys, what they do (and) what they're going through. It just wasn't a good fit."
The Jets released linebacker Ricky Sapp to make room for Reed.
