Reed leaves Houston; two sides still talking deal
Ed Reed left the Houston Texans' facility on Friday after a two-day recruiting visit without finalizing a contract, but negotiations are ongoing with the 34-year-old free agent safety.
Reed said in February it was difficult to picture himself playing anywhere other than Baltimore, which he has called home for the expanse of his illustrious NFL career.
The Ravens' roster, of course, is nowhere near what it was six weeks ago when Baltimore beat the San Francisco 49ers to claim the Lombardi Trophy. The defense in particular has been pillaged, and losing Reed's veteran presence would be another impactful blow.
Reed traveled to Houston to visit with the Texans along with general manager Rick Smith, who was on board franchise owner Bob McNair's private jet, early Thursday. He dined with Miami (Fla.) teammate Andre Johnson, a Pro Bowl receiver for the Texans, and members of the coaching staff and front office.
Reed turns 35 before the start of the 2013 season, but he said in February before the Super Bowl that he has much more football left in his body.
Houston lost starting safety Glover Quin in free agency. Quin signed a five-year deal with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday.
Baltimore hopes to re-sign Reed, but the Ravens don't have the salary cap space to push all of their chips into Reed's basket.
The Ravens released strong safety Bernard Pollard and three linebackers -- Ray Lewis (retired), Paul Kruger (Browns) and Dannell Ellerbe (Dolphins) -- who started in the Super Bowl will not return, nor will free agent cornerback Cary Williams (Eagles).
