Ed Reed hires agent in preparation to test open market

One of the biggest pitfalls for Ravens safety Ed Reed to secure a new contract has been solved as he prepares to hit the free-agent market on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old has hired agent David Dunn of Athletes First to represent him in free agency after spending the last couple years without one. Dunn represents several of Reed’s closest friends around the NFL, including retired linebacker Ray Lewis and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
Reed reportedly met with the Ravens recently, but he is expected to explore the open market to determine his value. The 11-year veteran has expressed his preference to remain in Baltimore several times, but many have doubted whether the Ravens will offer money that would be suitable in Reed’s eyes.
Several teams are expected to be interested in the nine-time Pro Bowl selection and 2004 Defensive Player of the Year, including New England, Indianapolis, and San Francisco. A Pro Football Talk report even suggested the 49ers could be the frontrunner to land the longtime Ravens safety, which would be an interesting development after Baltimore dealt wide receiver Anquan Boldin to San Francisco for a sixth-round choice in April’s draft.