Ed Reed To Return To Ravens in 2010? Harbaugh Says It's Likely To Happen

The Baltimore Ravens began the 2010 offseason a few short weeks ago after being eliminated from the playoffs by the Indianapolis Colts.

Questions began looming regarding potential free agents and trade rumors, along with players' futures.

One of those futures is that of starting safety Ed Reed, who has played at the highest level in the NFL for the past decade. Reed said publicly he is contemplating retirement, saying as of now it's "50-50" and the decision will be fully made by him.

Since that day, the future is still undecided as to whether a successor for Reed will be taken through the draft, or whether it will stay on the roster in general.

Earlier today, however, coach John Harbaugh said in a statement that he believes Reed is likely to return in 2010.

And why shouldn't he be confident? You can't blame Reed for considering retirement after a season in which he was never 100 percent.

Take into consideration the season Baltimore had, entering the playoffs with a win in the final week of the season, followed by a defeat of New England in the first round.

I am going to agree with Harbaugh and say Reed will be in a Ravens uniform in 2010. Depending on the upgrades made on the offense this offseason, Baltimore is one or two pieces away from being known as a true contender in the NFL this season.

As long as Reed is mentoring this young secondary along, strides can only be made for this changing defense in the upcoming seasons.

Matt Miselis is an NFL writer for BleacherReport.com.