Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed says his teammate Joe Flacco deserves all the money he's getting. Now, it's time to see whether Reed gets the contract that he wants from the Ravens, too.
Reed told "NFL AM" on Monday that he's still waiting for a call, but he remains optimistic.
"I haven't spoken to anyone. Hopefully that call comes soon," Reed said.
Asked about Bill Belichick's long-simmering appreciation of Reed, the Oscars correspondent made his intentions in free agency clear.
"I'm a Raven. I plan on being a Raven. I couldn't see me anywhere else right now," Reed said. "If it happens, I'm a football player. I can adapt to any situation."
Perhaps the most telling part of the interview was when Reed was asked whether he should be paid for his Hall of Fame career or his current ability.
"Both," Reed said.
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He plans to play two or three more years, saying he'll play at the same high level. It's a very tricky negotiation for a Ravens team that might prioritize linebacker Dannell Ellerbe's contract over a deal for Reed.
Unlike a lot of older veterans, Reed should have a healthy market for his services. Both the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts figure to inquire about Reed.
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