The matter of where Ed Reed will play next season should be decided this week, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said.

Newsome, in Phoenix for the NFL owners meetings, told USA Today he expects to keep an open dialog with Reed’s agent, David Dunn, which will include meeting with him in Phoenix.

"Dave always does a very good job of keeping us in the loop,” Newsome said. “That doesn't mean that Ed will come back, and it doesn't mean that he will leave."

The 34-year-old, free-agent safety just visited with the Texans, but came away without a contract, though some reports said the two sides have come close.

Speaking in general of the Ravens’ roster shake-up occurring in the wake of their Super Bowl title — six starters already gone via retirement, trade or free agency — Newsome said change must happen in such a way that it doesn’t cause huge upheaval.

"I've learned through the years, whether it's on offense or defense or special teams, you've got to be careful for how quickly you transition," Newsome said. "You've got to make sure that you contain certain elements, while you let other elements go."

The Ravens are headed for a quick transition — even if they retain Reed —but a lot of that has been out of Newsome’s control.