Ed Reed, safety

( Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun / December 2, 2012 )

GS: 16 | GP: 16 | Snaps: 1,051

Season in review: After doing his annual retirement dance during the offseason, Reed showed up in July ready to play. He started every game and played the majority of the defense snaps. He was criticized for whiffing on tackle attempts and picked off just four passes, but quarterbacks still shied away from throwing in his direction. At 34, Reed is past his prime, but he wasn't as much of a liability as some suggest.

Signature moment: In a dominant season-opening win against their AFC rivals from Cincinnati, Reed snagged an errant pass from Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown.

Stat that stands out: Six -- times Reed was targeted in the playoffs, though he did allow five receptions.

Pro Football Focus grade: -2.0 overall | -3.0 against the run | -0.5 as a pass rusher | +3.5 in pass coverage.

Outlook for 2013 and beyond: Reed is a free agent. He says he wants to keep playing football -- and that he would prefer to do it in Baltimore -- but all bets are off if he reaches the open market. If Reed does return, he can still be a solid contributor, but it might be time to look for his long-term replacement.