Ed Reed

AFC Mailbags: Jags, Colts, Steelers, Ravens

It’s Saturday, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers open up their mailbags and answer questions from readers. Here are some interesting notes out of the AFC…

Ed Reed Hopes To Play In 2014

Veteran free agent safety Ed Reed aims to play in 2014, he told reporters at Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb‘s charity event. Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com, and Aaron Wilson and Jeff Zriebec of the Baltimore Sun were on hand to document Reed’s comments (all links go to Twitter).

Reed, 35, signed with Texans before the 2013 season, having spent his entire career in Baltimore. After losing his starting job in Houston, he was released in November, and signed by the Jets. He finished the season with 38 tackles and four interceptions, grading as the league’s 30th-best safety per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Reed said he is preparing as if he will play, but that doesn’t mean he will be attending training camp with any team. The veteran said he knows there are teams in the league that “need safeties,” and believes that he can still contribute. He also noted that he could see himself “being a part of [the Ravens]” if he does not play, presumably in a coaching capacity. Additionally, Reed, enigmatic as ever, referenced Barry Sanders in saying that he could choose to abruptly retire without any fanfare.

Free Agent Notes: Freeman, Jets, Daniels

ESPN’s Adam Schefter has a trio of re-signings (via Twitter): running back Matt Asiata (Vikings), wide receiver Jeremy Ross (Lions) and linebacker Craig Robertson (Browns). Each player signed an exclusive rights free agent tender to stay with their respect teams. The trio was solid in 2013; Asiata ran for 166 yards on 44 carries, Ross had six receptions and six kick returns and Robertson compiled 85 tackles.

Let’s take a look at some more free agent rumors…