The New York Jets Do Not Have the Need for Ed Reed

Sep 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Texans safety Ed Reed (20) waves to the crowd after the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Houston Texans 30-9 at M

Sorry for the really bad reference to “Top Gun” folks, but I was looking for a corny segue into the topic of Ed Reed, which I wanted to get into since his release yesterday.

Could I see the Jets making a move for this guy? Yes, wouldn’t shock me in the least. But, should the Jets make this move? Absolutely not.

Don’t get me wrong, there are good reasons to make this move. His connection with coach Ryan is undeniable. To bring in a former leader of his Ravens’ defense would make an impact in the short-term. He would certainly have interest in coming here, everyone that has ever played for Rex, loved playing for Rex.

A veteran influence would certainly not hurt at the safety position either. The guys already here are improving, but they could use a leader. For the first time in Rex’s tenure, the secondary is underperforming. They could use the help.

But………

There is a reason why the Texans didn’t want him around anymore. He is on the downside of a career, like all athletes go through. In seven games for the Texans, Reed has not posted an interception, and was benched, forced into a reserve role.

It’s not a stretch to imagine Ed on the downside. He is 35 years old. In his brilliant career with the Ravens, beginning in 2002, Reed posted 61 interceptions, seven returned for touchdowns, to go along with 109 passes knocked down. A storied career.

But every rainbow has to have an end. We are seeing the end of Ed Reed’s as we talk this morning. He has clearly lost a step, and is not going to get any faster just my joining back up with coach Ryan.

Now, if the Jets were one player away from winning the title? OK. If all the Jets needed were a safety, and the team would be Super Bowl ready, let’s do it. But the fact of the matter is, they are not.

The Jets do not need to get older. They need to keep this youth movement going.

Could they sign Ed Reed? Yes. Should they?

Nope.