One NFL legend every team wishes they could bring back in 2021

By Randy Gurzi | Jun 21, 2021

Minnesota Viking Randy Moss (R) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Daunte Culpepper before Buccaneer Ronde Barber (L) in the second quarter 29 October 2000 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. AFP PHOTO/Peter MUHLY (Photo by PETER MUHLY / AFP) (Photo by PETER MUHLY/AFP via Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 03: Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy following their 34-31 win against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Baltimore Ravens: Ed Reed, Safety

Entering 2021, the Baltimore Ravens are one of the better teams in the NFL. They continue to win 10-plus games every season and they have a young quarterback in Lamar Jackson who is still improving as a player — but also already has an MVP award in his back pocket.

Baltimore also spent this offseason trying to improve around him as they brought in wide receivers Rashod Bateman, Tylan Wallace, and Sammy Watkins in an attempt to open up the passing game. As much as they have improved on offense in recent years, Baltimore is still known for their abilities on defense. When this team is elite defensively, they’re tough to beat.

Right now, they’re still one of the best in the league but if they wanted to become one of the more feared units again they would need someone such as Ed Reed patrolling the back end. That’s why Reed is the player chosen here as the returning legend.

A Hall of Famer, Reed just seemed to always know where the ball was going. He twice had nine picks in a single season and finished his career with 64 interceptions in 12 years. If that wasn’t enough, he had another nine in postseason games.

Reed was also dangerous once he got the ball in his hands. He had 1,590 yards and seven touchdowns on interception returns and another 168 and a score in the playoffs. He even scored twice on fumble returns, making him one of the most exciting defenders of his time.

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