After winning his first Super Bowl Championship Ravens S Ed Reed got a call from former teammate and Texans WR Andre Johnson. At some point in that conversation Reed asked Johnson to get him to Houston. At the opening of free agency Texans owner Bob Mcnair sent his private jet and GM Rick Smith to bring Reed in for a visit and to negotiate contracts. After keeping everyone waiting a week or so Reed has signed a deal with the Texans. The 34 year old Reed has never played on any team but the Ravens. But after the team allowed him to test the free agent market the Texans made Reed an offer that would net about 4-5 million a season. The Ravens decided that wasn't a price they were willing to pay for the future Hall of Fame S.
The addition of Reed couldn't come at a better time for the Texans. They've already lost 3 starters to free agency so far. 2 of them were on the defensive side of the ball. OLB Connor Barwin went to the Eagles and S Glover Quin took his services to Detroit. While Quin is younger than Reed and was a great fit in the defense that Wade Phillips has put together Reed is in no doubt an upgrade skill wise. Phillips loves loading the box and bringing heat with man coverage all over the field. With a player like Reed playing deep it should cut down on big plays over the top. Reed has a reputation as the ultimate ball hawk and playing behind JJ Watt and the Texans D line with their active hands should also benefit Reed. The Texans were also able sign their nickel CB Brice McCain to a 3 year deal worth about 5 million dollars. McCain played extremely well in the nickel spot, but got injured in week 12. By signing McCain the Texans insured that the core of Jonathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson, and McCain will be together at least the next couple years. All in all Reed to the Texans could be the best fit between any player and team so far and it puts the Texans back amongst the top teams in the AFC.
Right after the news of Reed agreeing to a deal with the Texans another visit to the Houston from maybe another Hall of Famer in former Raiders punter Shane Lechler. In 2010 the Texans had interest in Lechler but the Raiders gave him a record contract for a Punter. 2 big issues for the Texans last season were big plays in the passing game and opponents starting field position. If the Texans are able to land the big leg of Lechler to go along with Reed they should be back as one of the best teams in the AFC again next season.
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