Houston Texans release Ed Reed

The Houston Texans released veteran safety Ed Reed on Tuesday, according to multiple media outlets. Reed had been benched during the last two games in favor of Shiloh Keo, so the move should not shock anyone.

The 35-year-old former Defensive Player of the Year signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Texans last offseason. As Albert Breer of the NFL Network pointed out, Reed will have to clear waivers before becoming a free agent again. Any team that claimed him would assume the roughly $400,000 remaining on his 2013 salary. The Texans have already paid him $6 million in guaranteed money.

Thanks to the Texans! And the City of Htown!

— Ed Reed (@TwentyER) November 12, 2013

After Houston’s latest loss, Reed made headlines by saying that the team was outplayed and outcoached.

As soon as word surfaced that Reed had been waived, the Twitterverse exploded with speculation that the New England Patriots will try to sign him. Bill Belichick has long been an admirer of Reed, but the Patriots simply weren’t willing to give that kind of money and years to a player past his prime. We now see why.

While Reed could land in New England, he’d have to clear waivers first. With plenty of teams in need of help in the secondary, $400,000 may be worth it strictly for the pedigree.