Reed: I'm a Raven, waiting for a call

**runrayrun27** · 03-05-2013, 10:06 AM

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/...9-ff9e96cd63ee

I find it kind of odd they haven't had ANY Talks. I know the Flacco deal was priority, but you'd still think they'd have some sort of contact.

Not a huge concern, I'm not trying to blow it out of proportion, just opening it up for discussion and thoughts

**Paintballguy** · 03-05-2013, 10:10 AM

Keep in mind he does not have an agent at the moment, so that makes things more difficult.

**bt12483** · 03-05-2013, 10:10 AM

Ozzie is a former player. I think this is part of the reason why when we (re)sign our own guys, they are always the top paid. It is a blessing and a curse. More so for Stevie B. I guess that is part of the danger when your GM was a player - they might be a little sweeter on players when payday comes.

I've read Ozzie values one-team players. Reed is a HoF Baltimore Raven, new SB champ. I can't see Ozzie letting Reed walk, even if it means we overpay. Not sure how he is going to make it work, but I think he will.

**Paintballguy** · 03-05-2013, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by bt12483

Ozzie is a former player. I think this is part of the reason why when we (re)sign our own guys, they are always the top paid. It is a blessing and a curse. More so for Stevie B. I guess that is part of the danger when your GM was a player - they might be a little sweeter on players when payday comes.

I've read Ozzie values one-team players. Reed is a HoF Baltimore Raven, new SB champ. I can't see Ozzie letting Reed walk, even if it means we overpay. Not sure how he is going to make it work, but I think he will.

I don't see how Reed is that valuable. Even the best safeties in the league aren't paid that much. The franchise tag for safeties is the lowest outside of special teams guys. He isn't going to get any kind of huge offer. Reed will be 35 next season, and he's dealing with some nagging injuries. The market just won't be there even if he's a future first ballet HoF'er. Father time always wins.

**Jeremiah W** · 03-05-2013, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by bt12483

Ozzie is a former player. I think this is part of the reason why when we (re)sign our own guys, they are always the top paid. It is a blessing and a curse. More so for Stevie B. I guess that is part of the danger when your GM was a player - they might be a little sweeter on players when payday comes.

I've read Ozzie values one-team players. Reed is a HoF Baltimore Raven, new SB champ. I can't see Ozzie letting Reed walk, even if it means we overpay. Not sure how he is going to make it work, but I think he will.

If Oz let Ray greatest of all times Lewis test the waters and flirt with free agency just to avoid bidding against themselves, they are going to continue that policy. Free agents want to play here so the ravens do not usually have to over pay. They do spend as much as they can, but usually end up with a deep and balanced roster.

**JAB1985** · 03-05-2013, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by bt12483

Ozzie is a former player. I think this is part of the reason why when we (re)sign our own guys, they are always the top paid. It is a blessing and a curse. More so for Stevie B. I guess that is part of the danger when your GM was a player - they might be a little sweeter on players when payday comes.

I've read Ozzie values one-team players. Reed is a HoF Baltimore Raven, new SB champ. I can't see Ozzie letting Reed walk, even if it means we overpay. Not sure how he is going to make it work, but I think he will.

I dont think Ozzie really handles the contracts and money though. I think Pat Moriarty handles contracts and the cap. Ozzies main job is talent. whether thats the draft or FA, where he has final say. I dont think his favoritism towards players does anything but make playes want to play here.

**HoustonRaven** · 03-05-2013, 10:29 AM

Two things ...

This is the same tale of woe we hear from Reed every time his contract comes up.

The fact that this story is coming from the Ravens themselves, on their own web site, tells me all I need to know -- that they want him back and are using their media presence to sway him. Again.

**bt12483** · 03-05-2013, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by Jeremiah W

If Oz let Ray greatest of all times Lewis test the waters and flirt with free agency just to avoid bidding against themselves, they are going to continue that policy. Free agents want to play here so the ravens do not usually have to over pay. They do spend as much as they can, but usually end up with a deep and balanced roster.

I never said they wouldn't let him test the market. I'm sure they will. But similar to Ray, I think Reed won't see an abundant market, and if he does get an offer, I can see Ozzie matching it to keep Reed a Raven for life.

**runrayrun27** · 03-05-2013, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

Two things ...

This is the same tale of woe we hear from Reed every time his contract comes up.

The fact that this story is coming from the Ravens themselves, on their own web site, tells me all I need to know -- that they want him back and are using their media presence to sway him. Again.

Two very good points Houston

**GOTA** · 03-05-2013, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by Paintballguy

Keep in mind he does not have an agent at the moment, so that makes things more difficult.

Great point. Last week there was news that Reed was still interviewing agents. The Ravens aren't going to talk to Reed and then start all over again when he hires one.

**runrayrun27** · 03-05-2013, 11:05 AM

It's going to be a frustrating couple of months listening to the drama queen Reed go on and on. Love him on the field, hate him off

**The Excellector** · 03-05-2013, 02:26 PM

Reed was a humble quiet player for most of his career, who became more vocal, publicly, as he aged and as it became clear that Father Time was on his way. That is understandable for a veteran player. So, I try not to get frustrated with Reed. However, I just wish that he would see the end for himself, rather than having the decision made for him.

On one hand, I could see Ozzie paying him a little more than he is worth, in light of his legacy and losing so many defenders at one time. However, I can also see Ozzie staying quiet and trying get Reed to see the picture for himself.

**ed from Bel Air** · 03-05-2013, 06:59 PM

I thought Ed's play last year, particularly in the playoffs, was underrated. Rather than being his usual gambling self, he stayed home, taking away the deep middle and preventing guys like Brady and Peyton from taking shots deep in the middle. Ed made a great blitz on the goal line stand, rushing Kapernek(sp?) forcing to him to throw quickly and inaccurately.

I thought Ed had a better year this year than last. He still does not consistently tackle well, but he does pick his spots, I think he made a couple of key tackles near the goal line in the Super Bowl, as well.

I find it interesting that Ozzie has not yet spoken to Reed. As a life-long Raven and future HOF'er, he deserves at least a quick call from Ozzie, saying "Ed we will get to you after we finish up with Joe".

Ozzie said 1) I will handle negotiations with Ed personnally,
2) He will not be sentimental. Not sure any other free agent, or vet with a high cap number, would be considered a more "sentimental " cut than Ed.
3) whether Ed has an agent or not, he will talk to Ed.

Apparently the Ravens talked to a lot of safeties at the combine. This does not strike me as a negotiating ploy, I think it is an honest effort to fill a position of need.

I think the longer Ed doesn't hear from Ozzie, the less likely he returns. I think Ozzie will only bring Ed back after he addresses other concerns and still has cap space left.

RIGHT PLAYER, RIGHT PRICE.

**Ravenswintitle** · 03-05-2013, 07:33 PM

he's a little bit of an oddball and it's crazy to not have an agent by now, but what a playmaker he has been...

**MarkS** · 03-05-2013, 08:50 PM

Here's my thought on this: The Ravens have an idea of what Reed's value is at this point in his career. This very likely does not square with what Ed thinks his value is. So what's the point in being the bearer of bad tidings? Let Ed (or his agent, if he ever gets one) find out from other teams that he's not getting, say, a 2-year, $16M contract.

Unless you fear that Ed may sign with another team without giving the Ravens a chance to make a better offer (possible, but not likely), you don't really need to rush to make an offer, to find you were only bidding against yourself.

**ballhawk** · 03-05-2013, 09:38 PM

I been saying all along that reed will be back on a fair contract. He is still better than most safeties in the game and paired with Pollard forms the best safety tandem in the game. Plus the leadership he brings...you could make an argument that his role in the near mutiny after Houston solidified the team and put them in position to go get that Lombardi.

**bt12483** · 03-06-2013, 05:44 AM

Originally Posted by MarkS

Here's my thought on this: The Ravens have an idea of what Reed's value is at this point in his career. This very likely does not square with what Ed thinks his value is. So what's the point in being the bearer of bad tidings? Let Ed (or his agent, if he ever gets one) find out from other teams that he's not getting, say, a 2-year, $16M contract.

Unless you fear that Ed may sign with another team without giving the Ravens a chance to make a better offer (possible, but not likely), you don't really need to rush to make an offer, to find you were only bidding against yourself.

George Wilson just got a 2yr/$4M deal (incentives up to $5M) from TENN.

Now...George Wilson is no Ed Reed, but he is decent. And a few years younger than Ed.

I don't see anyone paying Ed more than $4M/year, which would be double what George Wilson just got. Quite certain Ed won't be making the $7M he got this year. Ed probably doesn't want to hear this.

**Paintballguy** · 03-06-2013, 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by bt12483

George Wilson just got a 2yr/$4M deal (incentives up to $5M) from TENN.

Now...George Wilson is no Ed Reed, but he is decent. And a few years younger than Ed.

I don't see anyone paying Ed more than $4M/year, which would be double what George Wilson just got. Quite certain Ed won't be making the $7M he got this year. Ed probably doesn't want to hear this.

I'd pay reed 2-3 mil year. If he doesn't take that then it was nice having you on our team.

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**bt12483** · 03-06-2013, 06:30 AM

Originally Posted by Paintballguy

I'd pay reed 2-3 mil year. If he doesn't take that then it was nice having you on our team.

Honestly, if I were Ed Reed, I'd be like WTF.

You are a HoF safety and the best you can get is $3M/year?

Now I know he already got his payday, and is at the tail end of his career...but in light of current NFL salaries...if I were Reed I'd be a little pissed off too.

But hey - that is the game he signed up for.

**Paintballguy** · 03-06-2013, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by bt12483

Honestly, if I were Ed Reed, I'd be like WTF.

You are a HoF safety and the best you can get is $3M/year?

Now I know he already got his payday, and is at the tail end of his career...but in light of current NFL salaries...if I were Reed I'd be a little pissed off too.

But hey - that is the game he signed up for.

The bottom line is safeties don't get paid much in the NFL. Look at the costs of the franchise tag.

Quarterback $14,896,000
Offensive Linemen (includes Offensive Tackle, Offensive Guard, Center) $9,828,000
Wide Receiver $10,537,000
Running Back (includes all Fullbacks and Halfbacks) $8,219,000
Tight End $6,066,000
Defensive End $11,175,000
Defensive Tackle $8,450,000
Linebacker $9,619,000
Cornerback $10,854,000
Safety $6,916,000
Kicker or Punter $2,977,000