Ed Reed has revealed that he snubbed the New England Patriots in order to sign for the New York Jets.

The veteran safety agreed terms with Rex Ryan's team on Thursday, and told reporters after his first practice that he could have moved to the team's divisional rivals instead.

Reed told NFL.com: "The Patriots did come in for me but going in there and trying to learn a new system might have been difficult but once I'd spoken to Rex, I kind of made my mind up.

"The Jets being in the playoff picture was a factor for me, and I know Rex's goals in terms of that. It's awesome to be reunited with him. I know his system and it was a great fit for me and for the team."

Ryan coached Reed when he was a defensive co-ordinator with the Baltimore Ravens, with whom Reed won the Super Bowl back in February.