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Good news today for the Redskins and TE Jordan Reed who has reportedly been cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol. Washington is expected to move on from the oft-injured tight end who missed last season after a dirty hit from Falcons safety Keanu Neal in the preseason. This was Reed’s 7th known concussion during his football career, and the worst one to date.
Many people expected Reed to call it quits after last year’s injury due to the long-term concerns for his health. But he doesn’t plan to retire, and has shown defiance about the effects of the growing number of concussions he has suffered over the years. The Redskins plan to move on from Reed(saving $8.5 million this year), but he doesn’t plan to move on from football yet.
However, according to sources, Reed is excited and “pumped up” to continue his playing career as he anticipates finding a new home after spending his entire career in Washington.
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Redskins TE Jordan Reed has been cleared from the league's concussion protocol program, a source tells @TheAthleticDC. Expectations remain that Washington releases Reed, who missed the entire 2019 season.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) February 19, 2020
Sources to @TheAthleticDC: Tight end Jordan Reed cleared the league's concussion protocol program and, following his expected release from the Redskins, intends on continuing his NFL playing career in 2020. https://t.co/GvfQJpK34g
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) February 19, 2020
When reports came out about Reed still being in the concussion protocol two days ago, we learned that there were financial benefits for him to not be cleared. He would have been entitled to $1.2 million if he wasn’t cleared to play in 2020. He could have also been entitled to another $600k in 2021 if the concussion ended his career. But Reed plans to continue playing and earning money for his family. This is a scary risk for a player who continues to take hits that take longer to recover from, but it’s his decision and any team that considers signing him would have to take into account.
One more note: Yes, he can file a grievance but b/c it's a 2019 injury (he was paid) and b/c his 2020 contract isn't guaranteed, not entitled to 1.2. if cut, might be entitled to extended inj protection in 2021 (last yr of deal). would be around 600K. cutting b4 cleared triggers https://t.co/z9NklqYAmB
— John Keim (@john_keim) February 17, 2020
FWIW, I combed through every page of the contract and did not see any type of guarantees after 2018.
— Burgundy Blog (@BurgundyBlog) February 17, 2020
The Redskins will continue their search to fill the tight end position after the move on from Reed’s eventual release, Vernon Davis’ retirement, and Greg Olsen’s free agency rejection. The NFL Scouting Combine starts Sunday, free agency starts on March 18th, and the NFL draft begins April 25th. It’s time for Kyle Smith, Alex Santos, and the scouts to earn their paychecks.