New England Patriots: Ed Reed A Possibility at Safety?

Sep 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Texans safety Ed Reed (20) walks off the field prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M

With the news that the Houston Texans are set to release safety Ed Reed, is it possible that the New England Patriots could give Reed a serious look? The answer is a resounding yes. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have consistently praised Reed’s ability to play his position, at times going so far as calling Reed one of the best safeties to ever play the game. It’s no secret that Reed and Belichick share a mutual admiration. It’s a near certainty that Reed would come play for Belichick in New England, but would the Patriots consider Reed at this point in his career? The answer again, is yes.

The Patriots are thin at safety right now given that Steve Gregory broke his wrist in the week nine win against Pittsburgh. If Gregory has to miss extended time, the Pats will be forced to rely on rookie Duron Harmon against the Carolina Panthers on Monday night. Gregory was not at practice on Tuesday, so it’s a real possibility that he won’t be in action against the Panthers.

But Reed has looked like a shell of his former self thus far in 2013 and has struggled for playing time recently. His release by the Texans may be a result of his play, but could also be based on the comments he made following their recent loss in which he questioned the ability of the Texans’ coaching staff. Apparently that doesn’t fly in Houston and you can bet it wouldn’t fly in New England, either.

The calculation for the Patriots is simple. Would Ed Reed add value at safety or is the team better off relying on rookie Duron Harmon? It’s not likely, either way, that the Patriots could get Reed in quickly enough for him to contribute on Monday night, but they will have to act fast if they think Reed can help the team. Given his history as a playmaker in this league, it’s not likely Reed will be on the open market for long as team’s look to shore up weaknesses for second half runs. Reed will be an interesting story to watch over the next few days and it wouldn’t be surprising for the Patriots to seriously consider him.