Ed Reed is tired of being shuffled to the back of the line.
The All-Pro safety, who's in the final year of a reported six-year, $44.4 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, said he attempted to renegotiate his deal last season but "took the back seat" when talks went south.
"Did Ed Reed get the respect that he deserves? No, he did not," Reed told WJZ-FM, via the Ravens' official website. "Am I going to get it? Probably won't. Hopefully he do. If I don't, then, hey, man, I'm all right with me."
Reed has been a high-octane fixture in Baltimore's defensive backfield since 2002. Despite neck, shoulder and hip injuries in recent seasons, the 33-year-old spoke last month of playing another five seasons.
After missing six games in 2010, Reed started all 16 in 2011. He was key in helping Baltimore hold opponents to a league-low 11 touchdowns through the air, but Reed struggled with missed tackles, something he acknowledged to the radio station.
Now Reed ponders his future, and if the Ravens want to keep him around long-term, a dose of security is overdue.
"When I'm on the football field, I'm giving you everything," Reed said. "Do the Ravens know that? Yes, they do. Did (general manager) Ozzie (Newsome) know that Ed Reed was going to be playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers regardless of negotiating his contract? Yes, he did.
Reed continued: "... My family has got to be taken care of. I don't want to hear that I'm getting old. I don't want to hear that."
