Amid growing contract turmoil with All-Pro tight end George Kittle, the San Francisco 49ers have reportedly signed Jordan Reed to a one-year contract.
Reed, a 2016 Pro Bowl selection with the Washington Football Team, will be joining the 49ers on an incentive-laden contract with an opportunity to prove himself this season.
49ers sign Jordan Reed to one-year deal
Washington released Reed early this offseason after the 30-year-old tight end missed the entire 2019 season with a concussion. It was the seventh documented concussion of Reed’s career, marking a rapid fall just a few years after being an NFL star.
A third-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Reed enjoyed a breakout season in 2015 with Washington. He set career-highs in receptions (87), receiving yards (952) and touchdowns (11) despite playing in only 14 games.
He would go on to make the Pro Bowl in 2016, fresh off signing a five-year extension worth $50 million. While he missed two games with a concussion and additional time with an AC joint separation, Reed still hauled in 66 passes for 686 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Unfortunately, injuries derailed his chances of returning to his peak form over the next three seasons. He played in six games in 2017 due to a hamstring injury then missed three games the following year with a toe injury.
Reed remains a great athlete for the position and offers great size, traits which made him a dangerous weapon when he could stay on the field. If he can stay healthy this year, he provides San Francisco with another dynamic weapon.
While he will be the No. 2 tight end in the offense heading into training camp, that could change quickly. Contract talks between Kittle and the 49ers have been slow and if he decides to opt-out, Reed would have a great shot to thrive in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.