New Colts WR David Reed Could be New Return Specialist

November 6, 2011; Pittsburgh,PA, USA: Baltimore Ravens kick returner David Reed (16) returns the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

With Delone Carter traded off to the Baltimore Ravens, the Colts’ RB position is all but set. The player the Colts got in return for Carter–former Ravens WR David Reed–has a chance to crack the Colts’ roster at a position that is one of the most shallow in terms of depth on the entire roster.

Here is what the Colts had to say about the recent trade:

“This trade gives us a chance to improve in key areas moving forward,” said General Manager Ryan Grigson. “David is a very competitive football player and we welcome his style of play and energy. At the same time, we wish Delone well with his opportunity to play for another first-class organization and we thank him for his efforts.”

Obviously, the Colts were unhappy with a couple of things. First of all, they were unhappy with the wide receiver position. As good as projected #4 WR Griff Whalen had been at training camp, injuries have once again slowed him down and he can’t be counted upon in case the team really needs him. No one else has really stepped up for the Colts at the position, so Grigson made a pretty interesting move.

Still, David Reed wasn’t really known for his ability to catch footballs in the passing game while with Baltimore. He was more known for his ability to return kicks, where he was among the league leaders in yards back in 2010.

To this point, Reed has only five career receptions since being a fifth round pick out of Utah in 2010. Still, the Ravens thought pretty highly of Reed, even as recent as this past year. They signed him to a two-year, $2.5 million contract as a restricted free agent just one year removed from missing an entire season with a torn ACL (2011).

Reed has one return touchdown in his career, back in 2010 as a rookie. The Ravens have a Pro Bowl caliber return specialist in Jacoby Jones, so they had no need for Reed on their roster this year.