Seahawks, Nick Reed Reach Injury Settlement

The Seahawks have reached an injury settlement with defensive end Nick Reed, who has been struggling to recover following arthroscopic knee surgery a few weeks ago.

The settlement indicates the Seahawks were prepared to place Reed on Injured Reserve, but his injury may not keep him out the entire year. Placing a player on Injured Reserve makes them ineligible for the entire season.

Reaching an injury settlement allows Nick Reed to play elsewhere this season if he is able to recover. The Seahawks can also re-sign him, but Reed should have multiple opportunities around the league.

It is a calculated strategy (especially if you want to retain Reed), but the Seahawks could be making the right decision here. The Seahawks could have placed Reed on IR and retained his contract, but he would be ineligible to play the entire season. If they did not place him on IR, he would take up valuable space – while injured – on the 53-man roster.

Following Reed’s injury, Pete Carroll said Reed “should be back in a few weeks.” It is obvious Carroll’s assessment was slightly optimistic. The injury settlement, however, could indicate Seattle still believes Reed will be healthy again soon.

Reed will be able to negotiate with other teams, but I would not be surprised to see him back in Seattle after he recovers from injury. With so many difficult decisions at hand, every spot on the 53-man roster is extremely valuable – especially this time of year.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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