Brooks Reed: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Free-Agent OLB

Former Houston Texans linebacker Brooks Reed reportedly drew interest from several teams in free agency, but the Atlanta Falcons ultimately secured his services.        

Continue for updates.  

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Reed, Falcons Agree to Five-Year Deal

Tuesday, March 10

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Reed agreed to a five-year, $22 million deal with the Falcons.

Yahoo Sports' Rand Getlin, citing a source, noted on Monday that Reed was "leaning toward signing with the Falcons when free agency opens on Tuesday."

Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle reported Reed could still re-sign with the Texans despite his agent stating it was unlikely.

On March 6, ESPN.com's Tania Ganguli examined why the Texans had yet to begin negotiations with Reed, let alone make him an offer, despite expressing interest in retaining his services:

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What this likely means in Reed's case is that the Texans want to respond to the market rather than set it. If he gets priced out, they'll accept that and look elsewhere for an outside linebacker. ...

I'm not ruling out Reed's return. We discussed the example of Quin, and the Texans lost Connor Barwin in free agency that year as well. Chris Myers and Garrett Graham are past examples of players who did hit the market and returned. Texans general manager Rick Smith mentioned during the combine that just because a player hits free agency doesn't mean that player won't return.

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Reed, who turned 28 on Feb. 28, has been a serviceable role player for the Texans, accumulating 169 total tackles, 14.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception in 60 career games since 2011. 

Reed has yet to make a major impact in the NFL, but most didn't expect him to when he entered the league. The Falcons reportedly will lose linebacker Sean Weatherspoon to the Arizona Cardinals, per Getlin, so it makes sense for them to key in on a likely low-risk linebacker; however, he has proved during his career to be a solid player.  

Given the increased importance of the pass rush in the NFL, Reed should prove to be a wise signing for the Falcons.