Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens Need To End Strained Relationship Now

With less than a week until training camp begins, the Baltimore Ravens officially begin the road to the Super Bowl in Dallas.

After an offseason that has brought in brand new faces, the Ravens are excited to put their new product on the field.

However, when camp starts next week, the conversation will be on the situation involving Ed Reed and the Ravens front office.

For their sake, camp will not start on the right track.

Reed has been the talk of the Ravens in the past month. From his statement of being 30% percent healthy to wanting a new contract, people have been questioning his motivation to play football in 2010. Reed's recent comments on the acquisition of Marc Bulger and teammate Troy Smith has brought some attention as well.

His latest comments, as reported by the Baltimore Sun, showed us that Ed Reed has a serious beef with management, one that he has worked with for his entire NFL career.

From the article: "But don't treat me like that after I gave my blood, sweat and tears for this guy—for this organization," Reed said. "I train my tail off. I'm putting my life on line. But I have to give you an excuse to study tape? When I do give you an excuse—and my excuse is I'm studying tape—that's not a good enough excuse. But Ed is wrong for asking for a new contract. Come on, man."

These are some strong words made my Ed here. We don't know who is to blame right now, but it seems either General Manager Ozzie Newsome or head coach John Harbaugh is who he’s leaning toward.

Reed has never seemed to be the biggest fan of Harbaugh, at least from the writer's perspective, as their relationship never seemed close.

My original reaction was that this was a situation being blown up by the media in what is a slow part of news during the NFL year. However, after talking to a few writers myself, I have to agree with the one comment that was made: “This has been crazy. Some fans think it's just the media stirring things up. But this has been all Ed."

Many are also questioning Ray Lewis, whose friendship with Ed Reed has been a great one. Has he been in his ear? Is Reed not listening to his friend's wisdom, or is Lewis actually taking a step back and not getting involved?

There is clearly an issue involving Reed and the Baltimore Ravens. Whether it is the front office not willing to give a new contract, or an issue that evolved last offseason, there is plenty of information that we aren't sure of yet.

Though, nobody will end up as a winner in this case, and both sides need to move on.

For Ed, look no further than the Jared Gaither situation. He wanted a new contract, tried to get himself traded, and Gaither only hurt himself in the negotiations. Keep in mind that the Ravens have had stars such as Bart Scott and Adalius Thomas leave the team.

No matter how much Ed has given to the organization, you always have to look toward the future.

From the Ravens viewpoint, they need to get on the same terms with Reed. The future is uncertain at free safety. Is Zbikowski the answer? It is possible, but we don't know for sure.

A healthy Ed Reed late in the season makes that defense much scarier. Don't upset the veterans, and cause tension in the locker room.

I have always respected both Ed Reed and the front office for the way they handle themselves.

Don't make me change my opinion over a petty argument like this. Nobody ever wins these battles; just learn to live with the circumstances at hand, which are bringing a title back to the city of Baltimore.

Matt Miselis is a Baltimore Ravens and National NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.

Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/MattMiselis