Sources: Free agent S Eric Reid, one several quality starters available at the position, is slated to visit the #Bengals. This is believed to be the first FA visit for the former #49ers first-rounder.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 9, 2018
Reid was drafted with the 18th-overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft after the 49ers and Dallas Cowboys swapped first-rounders. San Francisco also sent a third-round selection (No. 74 overall) to the Cowboys as part of the deal.
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The #49ers have traded picks 31 (1st round) and 74 (3rd round) for Dallas' pick at 18. They select LSU safety Eric Reid. #draft49
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) April 26, 2013
During his five-year career with the 49ers, Reid collected 10 interceptions, amassed 34 pass break-ups, forced two fumbles and totaled 318 combined tackles (257 solo, 61 assists). He also made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2013, while being voted to the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie team, per profootballreference.com.
Now embattled, Reid has been waiting patiently for his 2018 free agent tour to begin. According to Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report, "he was one of the first players alongside quarterback Colin Kaepernick to protest racial injustice and police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem."
The Niners current depth chart at strong safety includes Pro Football Focus' 10th-best safety in 2017, Jaquiski Tartt. He took over strong safety duties after Reid suffered a left knee injury in the 49ers' Week 2 road contest against the division rival Seattle Seahawks. Rookie safety Adrian Colbert took over free safety duties for the oft-injured Jimmie Ward too, after Ward broke his forearm in the team's Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Reid was quickly moved to linebacker following his return to action.
The 49ers would have to pay Reid $5.676 million to match his 2017 salary.