Newsome remains hopeful that Ed Reed will return to Ravens

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Over the past week, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Ozzie Newsome have expressed desire to bring back safety Ed Reed for another season in Baltimore.

Newsome said Thursday the feeling is mutual, but Reed will take his time.

"Unofficially, we've had conversations," Newsome said during the team's end-of-season press conference at Ravens headquarters. "I think he wanted to let some time clear. And at that point, he and I will sit down.

"He realizes there may be some other options out there, but I think if you watched his body language over the course of the last 8-10 days that he loves being here in Baltimore, and I think we can use that to help make the relationship last a little bit longer."

Reed, 34, is a free agent this offseason and has yet to hire an agent, Newsome said. The Ravens have some tough salary cap decisions to make with quarterback Joe Flacco in negotiations for a new deal. Reed struggled with a shoulder injury for the majority of the season and failed to make the All-Pro team for the first time in six seasons despite playing in each game, but he did intercept San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in a Super Bowl XLVII victory Sunday.

His six-year, $44 million deal is up, and while teams like the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts have ties to the vet, one teammate believes he'll be back in Baltimore.

"Honestly, I don't know what the front office is going to do, but you've got to believe and trust that they're going to do everything they can to lock a future Hall of Famer up," said Ravens safety Bernard Pollard this week. "I know Ed wants to be here. We all want Ed here."


(usatoday.com)