Longtime Ravens S Reed goes to Texans
Safety Ed Reed has reached agreement with the Houston Texans on a three-year, $15 million contract that includes $5 million in guaranteed money, the team announced Friday.
Reed has spent his entire 11-year career with the Ravens. The eight-time All-Pro and 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year leaves Baltimore as the franchise leader in interceptions with 61.
"We haven't had that guy that's a center fielder and can cover all that ground. Ed Reed does that," Ravens owner Bob McNair said.
At age 34, Reed has shown few signs of slowing down. His 17 interceptions the past three years are the best in the NFL. He played in all 16 regular-season games this past season and had 58 tackles and four interceptions.
"I came here to win a championship and help guys with whatever it may be, on and off the field," Reed said.
While Reed is disappointed to leave Baltimore after winning the Super Bowl, he's excited to join a Texans defense anchored by J.J. Watt.
"There's going to be some trouble for a lot of people to come this fall," Reed said. "We've got a squad, man."
Under the terms of his new deal, Reed will take a pay cut from the $7.2 million he made in 2012 with the Ravens. According to NFL.com, his 2013 salary will be $6 million.
"Our hope is that the Hall of Fame players we drafted could play their entire careers with us, but we understand why Ed is moving on to the Texans," Ravens general manager and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome said. "He's not the first Hall of Famer to move to another team. Tony Gonzalez is playing with the Falcons. Joe Montana played with the Chiefs. Shannon Sharpe and Rod Woodson played for the Ravens.
"How fortunate we were to have Ed with us for 11 seasons. He is one of the Ravens' and NFL's all-time greats. Words cannot measure what he did for us, including helping us win a second Super Bowl. We thank him for all he did for Baltimore. Ed will always be a part of the Ravens family."
The Texans were looking to replace safety Glover Quin, who went to Detroit in free agency.
Meanwhile, Reed is the latest defensive standout to leave the Ravens. Linebacker Ray Lewis retired, defensive end Paul Kruger signed with Cleveland and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe went to Miami as a free agent.
"(Reed) is a great player and a great friend," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "We will always be thankful for what we accomplished together."
