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So why isn’t safety Ed Reed a member of the Ravens?
It’s a simple analysis. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Ravens had a price they were willing to pay Reed, and the Texans exceeded it.
The Ravens applied a similar approach four years ago, when linebacker Ray Lewis became an unrestricted free agent. Unlike Reed, Ray found nothing better on the open market, so he returned.
Of course, there’s a chance that the Ravens made Reed an offer knowing/hoping/praying that he would find something better. We developed a distinct sense last week that the Ravens didn’t want Reed back, but it wouldn’t go over well with the fan base to slam the door in Reed’s face.