The man who had two tickets to paradise took a private jet to Texas on Thursday.
Via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Texans owner Bob McNair sent his private jet to bring Reed to town for a visit.
“This is classy, man,” Reed said. “This is southern hospitality. It’s a great feeling.”
The better feeling for Reed is that interest exists for his services. The Ravens have been lukewarm at best, and no one else has been banging down the future Hall of Famer’s door.
Reed seems to realize that the chances of returning to the Ravens are slim. “It’s definitely tough, but after 11 years, you pretty much understand things about the business,” Reed said. “After leaving a program like Miami and being around the great people in Baltimore, I think the transition [to his next team] will be all right.”
As the first week of free agency has unfolded, a strong sense has developed that the Ravens simply don’t want Reed back. One factor could be his role in the near mutiny that unfolded during the 2012 season. A more important reason is the assessment of his current and future abilities.
And so the Ravens are taking a page from the Texans -- ripping the name off the jersey and making decisions based solely on the player’s perceived ability to play. Of course, the fact that the Texans have done that with safety Glover Quin creates the need.
The need for Reed.
Yeah I said.