The crazy time of year that is free agency is fast approaching, so KCChiefs.com has you covered with a 30-day free agency look, highlighting the 30 most intriguing free agents or players who could be released/traded during the offseason.
You may have noticed, there are no restricted free agents on the list, largely because they rarely leave their current teams. None of the reports are indicative of the Chiefs plans for the 2013 free agency season.
Day 3 of 30
Name: Ed Reed
Position: Safety
Height: 5'11
Weight: 205
College: Miami (FL)
Born: September 11, 1978 (St. Rose, LA)
Age: 34
Experience: 11 years
Drafted: 2002, 1st Rd 24th Pick
Ed Reed is fresh off his team's 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. He finished the 2012 season on the game's biggest stage, in New Orleans, with five tackles and one INT.
Called the best to ever play the safety position by Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, Reed is being allowed to test the free agent market, this according to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti.
Until Reed makes his decision, let's look at the Pro Bowl safety's strengths and weaknesses.
STRENGTHS:
As evidenced in Super Bowl XLVII, the 34-year-old Reed can still make plays, including his ninth-career playoff INT (tied for most all-time).
Whenever Ed Reed is on the field, the safety nearly always seems to be around the football, a staple for the position.
When he does ball hawk, like he did four times in the 2012, he turns wide receiver-like and matriculates the ball down the field for an average of 19.5 yards, including one pick-six. Reed's 61-career INTs are the most among active NFL players.
Reed detailed how he was able to overcome adversities (including injuries noted below), helping his team secure the Super Bowl win.
WEAKNESSES:
The 11-year pro has done remarkably well, but his 34 years of age and sustained injuries throughout his illustrious career are of concern.
His tackling was questionable at times last year, especially at the end of the season, when Reed admitted that recent neck and shoulder injuries impacted his tackling and the way he played the game.
FINAL TAKE:
Which has more pull, retirement, the lure of a larger payday elsewhere or the opportunity to stay put and later retire with the team that drafted him 11 years ago?
Ed Reed will answer those questions down the road, but all things being equal, his name will be atop the lists of many teams come March 12.
The old adage, you get what you pay for is no different with Reed, who is a leader, mentor and a Super Bowl champion.
YOUR THOUGHTS ON ED REED?
