Ed Reed said Monday that his mind is nowhere near football at the moment.
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We assume what Reed really meant was his mind was nowhere near the Baltimore Ravens. Reed still wants a new contract, and he still appears ready to hold out if a lucrative extension isn't presented to him before training camp.
Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times reported that Reed was seen having a friendly conversation with Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees. This isn't exactly a shock -- Pees is volunteering at the camp, after all -- and besides, Reed's beef is with a front office he believes is under-compensating him.
Wilson said Reed looked to be in good shape -- "I take care of myself," the safety said -- but Reed declined to get into specifics about his future plans.
"You're not always going to be understood," Reed said. "You do the best that you can."
Reed, 33, is set to complete the final year of a six-year, $40 million contract that he signed in 2006. He's due a $7.2 million base salary this season and is already in line to be docked $70,000 for sitting out mandatory minicamp.
Though a holdout remains a very real possibility, it's important to remember Reed has remained mostly cryptic about his plans. Don't be surprised if he sits out the start of camp. Be very surprised if he's still missing in action by Week 1.
