Ed Reed No Longer Starting

When the Texans signed Ed Reed last offseason to a three-year, $15 million, they were probably expecting something more than one of the league's worst safeties. But through nine weeks, that's exactly what they have. According to ProFootballFocus.com, Reed ranks 72nd out of 85 players at the position.

Although Reed is still listed as a starter, he played just 32 snaps in last week's loss to the Colts; Shiloh Keo was on the field for 49 snaps and D.J. Swearinger played 63. Reed, meanwhile, saw the field mostly in the team's dime package.

“That's something that's best for the team and whatever is best for the team that's what we got to do” Swearinger told SportsRadio 610. “I would like to see him out there a lot but that's out of my hands, out of his hands and you know, that's what is best for the team.”

Reed missed the first two games of the season recovering from a hip injury. In the six games since, he has 16 tackles, is still looking for his first interception and has yet to defend a single pass.

Still, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who is also serving as interim coach in Gary Kubiak's absence, said Thursday (via the Houston Chronicle) that the team is getting what it wants from Reed. That said, Phillips was noncommittal when asked if the veteran safety would remain the starter.

Reed is set to make $4 million in 2014 and $5 million in 2015 -- neither year is guaranteed -- which means that the Texans could cut ties with him this offseason.


(cbssports.com)