re: Ed Reed released by Texans [Update: Picked Up By Jets]
Well now that he hasn't been claimed all he'd cost the Pats at this point is the Vet minimum for the next 7 games plus the playoffs. So the bottom line it would like be, at most around a half million. This issue isn't whether he's affordable its whether he'd be an asset.
I think that even if he's only here for the rest of the month while Gregory is healing, he'd be worth it. He extends the depth chart because now, in certain situations we could us McCourty matched up on key player while Reed tries to play his usual center field.
In small doses his knowledge and still sharp instincts can overcome the step or two he's lost. Where he might become a liability is if you use him full time and/or enough that an opposing team can find him and create a bad match up. However if the Pats are the ones that can dictate the match up or situation where they want him to be, I think he can be a useful player.
The key is fully understanding that the player you are getting is NOT a 9 time all pro. This is a guy who has definite flaws, and is no longer a full time player. But if he can be a situational player getting 20-30 snaps a game in the RIGHT situations, bring him in. His locker room presence alone would be worth the investment
