"Ed Reed is the greatest safety to play this game," Ravens inside linebacker Jameel McClain said in a text message Wednesday night. "But more importantly he is one of the greatest men I have had the chance to encounter. His presence on and off the field will be missed on the team and in the community."

Reed's loss continues an offseason trend in which the Ravens' roster has gotten considerably younger, cheaper and thinner. Lewis and center Matt Birk have retired. Boldin, a wide receiver, was traded. Guard Bobbie Williams and Pollard were released. Linebackers Paul Kruger and Dannell Ellerbe and cornerback Cary Williams have left in free agency.

Reed started every game for the Ravens this season and finished with four interceptions. He was one of two defensive players (Cary Williams was the other) to play in every game, even though he was dealing with a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder. However, Reed was not the playmaker that he had been for most of his career, and his tackling and freelancing hurt the Ravens at times. Reed uncharacteristically admitted that he had lost a step in a candid interview with reporters before the regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Still, Reed, during his time in Baltimore, developed a well-earned reputation as one of the best free safeties to ever play the game. He had five or more interceptions in seven of his 11 NFL seasons, and he led the league twice in that category. He did it by pairing superior athleticism with tremendous instincts and an intense devotion for film study.

Reed, whom the Ravens took with the 24th overall pick in the 2002 draft after he had a standout college career at Miami, was named the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year in 2004, and he was recognized as a first-team All Pro five times.

His 61 career regular-season interceptions are a franchise high and the most in the NFL since he entered the league. They also put him 10th all-time. Many of the interceptions at home were celebrated with a chant of "REEEEEEEED" by fans.

His 1,541 return yards are an NFL record, and Reed scored 14 touchdowns in his career. He's the only player in league history to score return touchdowns off a punt, blocked punt, interception and fumble recovery. His nine regular-season defensive touchdowns are the most in Ravens history, and his three blocked punt return touchdowns tie an NFL record.

"I'm definitely blessed and humbled to play on the same playing field as a Hall of Famer and one of the greats," Ravens defensive lineman Arthur Jones said Wednesday. "He really helped me throughout my career to elevate my game to the next level. ... He told me he saw flashes in me. He made me believe in myself and my ability. Every week he came and talked to me. He understands every position on the defense. He told me how to study film and what to look for and tendencies. I'm really honored and blessed to have played with him, and he's a lifelong friend."

Few Ravens players would argue. Now, they'll have to confront the reality that Lewis and Reed, the two long-time faces of their vaunted defense, are gone.