Ed Reed had just 16 tackles before being released by the Texans.
Credit: Getty Images
The Jets shored up their secondary on Thursday and added a familiar face from head coach Rex Ryan’s vaunted defense with the Ravens with the signing of safety Ed Reed.
Reed was released by the Texans on Monday and cleared waivers, allowing the Jets to bring in the veteran playmaker for the remainder of the season.
Reed played for Ryan when he was defensive coordinator of the Ravens from 2005-08 when the unit was consistently ranked among the best in the NFL. The 35-year-old safety, who has made nine Pro Bowl appearances, played just nine games with the Texans this year as he’s been bothered by a nagging hip injury.
Just yesterday the signing looked uncertain. Ryan expressed a direct desire to sign the veteran, but general manager John Idzik had not indicated to his head coach whether he would.
“If we did [talk], I’d keep that conversation private and all that type of stuff,” Ryan said Wednesday. “Part of the due diligence if you’ve coached a player, I’m sure you’d want that input. Did we have [a conversation]? Safe to say, yes.
“I can say absolutely yes, I’d like to have him on this team.”
Reed played just 265 snaps or 49 percent of all the plays that the Texans defense was on the field.
The Jets released outside linebacker Ricky Sapp to make room for Reed.
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.
