Ed Reed had options after being waived by the Houston Texans on Tuesday. He chose familiarity by signing withRex Ryan and the New York Jets.
Reed revealed Thursday that the New England Patriots contacted him about a possible role.
"Going in there, trying to learn a new situation probably would have been difficult," Reed said.
Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, like Ryan, was with Reed in Baltimore. Thurman told reporters that Reed wasn't "far off" from how he looked in Baltimore. There's no doubt Reed will be a better system fit in New York than he was in Houston. Reed also could have fit in New England, although they have a free safety in Devin McCourty who's playing at a Pro Bowl level.
Ryan and Thurman know Reed's intelligence and strengths. Reed might not be a huge difference-maker at this stage, but he upgrades the Jets' safety depth and gives the defensive backs a boost.
For now, Reed will come off the bench. Ryan made it clear that Reed will play this week against the Buffalo Bills, but he won't start. Either way, it's fun to see the Jets and Patriots fight over players once again.
*The latest "Around The League Podcast" previewed the AFC playoff picture. *
