The Jets signed veteran safety Ed Reed on Thursday, giving them a future Hall of Famer in their secondary.
But how much can Reed help the Jets? Apparently, coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik believe Reed has something left.
We’ll find out over the final seven games. Here is a quick analysis on the Reed signing:
Why It Makes Sense
1. The Rex factor: Ryan and Reed have always had a mutual admiration society. The two spent seven years together with the Ravens, the final four with Ryan as the defensive coordinator. Ryan calls Reed the best safety ever to play the game. Reed has said he’d do anything for Ryan. If there is one man that can get the last remaining drops of Reed’s talent out of him, it is Ryan.
2. Next week: The Jets face the Ravens on Nov. 24, the team that Reed played 11 seasons for, the team that dropped him after last year’s Super Bowl. You think Reed might have some motivation for that game? He also may have some tips for Marty Mornhinweg on how to attack the Baltimore defense.
3. Why not? The Jets likely see this as a low-risk move. The truth is the Jets were not desperate for safety help. Dawan Landry, Antonio Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett have played well. But Reed gives the Jets a ballhawk that can play center field. None of those three fit that role. Allen had a pick-six against the Patriots, but outside of that the safeties have made very few plays. If Reed can make one or two game-changing interceptions that help the Jets make the playoffs, the move is a win.
Why It Does Not Make Sense
1. What’s left? Reed was a backup for the Texans – the 2-7 Texans. It does not appear he has a whole lot left in the tank. Even last year, Reed was not the same guy for the Ravens. Reed played just 12 snaps in Houston’s game last week against the Cardinals. If it didn’t work in Houston, can it work for the Jets? That is a huge question for this move. He had a torn labrum in his hip this offseason. You’d think the Jets checked out the hip completely before signing him, but a 35-year-old with a bad hip gives you pause.
2. Role player: Reed is in the conversation for greatest safety ever. How does a player of that pedigree react to being a role player? The Jets can’t bring him in here thinking he’s going to play every snap. Surely, the plan is to give him a package of plays and use him in those during the course of a game. Reed struggled in Houston accepting the role of a backup. Is he going to be OK sitting on the bench behind Antonio Allen?
3. Stunting Allen’s growth: Speaking of Allen, he’s played well this year. Ryan praised him Wednesday and said he thinks he could be a really good player. Now, is he going to see his playing time reduced dramatically to get Reed on the field? That could severely hamper his growth at the position. The Jets could see Allen as a starter for the next few years. By throwing Reed into the mix, will they slow down his progression? It could be argued that Reed’s presence might help Allen if he is able to mentor him. But nothing replaces actual game experience and Allen has looked better and better this year. Adding Reed could cause him to regress.