National Football League

Ryan, Jets GM talked about Reed

Published Nov. 13, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

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Rex Ryan would love to be reunited with Ed Reed.

It's on New York Jets general manager John Idzik to make it happen. But that's if he even wants the 35-year-old free-agent safety.

Reed, released Tuesday by Houston, cleared waivers Wednesday and is available to any team. Ryan, who coached Reed for several years in Baltimore, acknowledged that he and Idzik discussed the possibility of adding him.

"If we did, I keep that conversation private and all that kind of stuff," Ryan said. "But part of due diligence, if you've coached a player, I'm sure you would want that input. So, did we have it? I think it's safe to say yes."

Reed missed the Texans' first two games after hip surgery and was relegated to a backup role in recent games, making just 16 tackles. He was unhappy not starting in Houston after signing a three-year, $15 million deal in the offseason after 11 years in Baltimore. Reed also criticized the team for being outplayed and outcoached after the Texans' seventh straight loss last Sunday.

The Jets have the NFL's 26th-ranked pass defense, but Ryan insisted he is pleased with his current group of safeties, including Dawan Landry, Jaiquawn Jarrett and Antonio Allen -- whom the coach said has "a chance to be really good."

But that might not prevent Ryan from wanting to add Reed, who was one of his favorites and is mentioned as one of the league's greatest players at his position.

"It's a logical question," Ryan said. "Look, the way I am, I could say absolutely yes, I would like him on our team. And I'll say that knowing you guys know me."

Ryan quickly mentioned former Jets such as Brandon Moore, Alan Faneca, Trevor Pryce and Damien Woody as guys he'd always like to have playing for him.

"Anybody that I've ever coached, that bled for me," Ryan said, "I want them."

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