In the not-too-distant past, Jordan Reed was once a premier player at a position lacking in star power.
At his peak, he was an athletic marvel for Washington, a dynamic tight end that defenses struggled to contain.
Though his explosive playmaking has always been evident, poor health has derailed what was once a promising career.
Reed has a laundry list of injuries he suffered in college and the NFL and has at least seven documented cases of concussions.
In his seven years, the 30-year old has missed 47 of a possible 112 regular-season games.
He has never played more than 14 games in a year and also sat out the entirety of the 2019 season.
Tight end Jordan Reed, who has a history of concussions, passed his physical with the 49ers and signed a one-year deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 9, 2020
Now playing for the San Francisco 49ers, Reed joins George Kittle with the opportunity to form the most fearsome tight end duo in the league.
A Win-Win Situation
Ultimately, this signing is the perfect low risk, high reward move for the 49ers.
General manager John Lynch offered him a contract in the hopes of cashing in on his immense talent.
“It’s well-documented that he’s had multiple concussions prior,” he said. “So in situations like this, there’s a reason that a guy like Jordan Reed is out there, right? There is some risk-reward. We got to a point where we felt the risk that we’re taking on was worth it with the potential reward.”
Though Reed has never excelled as a blocker, he is another weapon for Jimmy Garappolo to target.
He might especially be difficult to cover in scoring situations with his 6’2″, 240-pound frame.
Last year, the 49ers finished 20th in red zone touchdowns, with just a 55.6% conversion rate inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
Even if they get a fraction of what Reed once was, he would still be more dangerous than Ross Dwelley or Charlie Woerner.
If injuries prevent him from playing, though, San Francisco can release him with little financial repercussions.
Signing Reed is a win-win move for a team that has championship aspirations but minimal financial flexibility.
Familiar Faces in New Places
While this is the first time in his career Reed has played for a different team, there will be a couple of friendly faces waiting to welcome him to the Bay Area.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was the offensive coordinator for Washington during Reed’s rookie season in 2013.
Shanahan expressed excitement in reuniting with the tight end and was hopeful he remains injury-free.
“I think everyone is aware of Jordan’s ability,” he said. “When he’s been healthy, he’s played at an extremely high level. He’s been one of the best third-down tight ends in the league when healthy. … I know he hasn’t been on the field for a little bit. I know he’s very hungry to get back out there. He hasn’t got to do much of that lately.”
Reed also joins former teammate Trent Williams in his relocation to the 49ers.
Kyle Shanahan didn't need much convincing, but Trent Williams gave his coach a little insight into signing Jordan Reed (via @MaioccoNBCS) https://t.co/3aDLWVBVDT pic.twitter.com/dzZHxWQjZi
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) August 6, 2020
In a media session last week, Williams explained how he vouched for Reed to Shanahan.
“Kyle obviously drafted Jordan, so I didn’t have to talk him into telling him how good of a player he was,” Williams said. “I think I just gave him a little insight – because Jordan is one of my closest friends – into just how he was really feeling and where his mental state was… I think he’s going to make this team just that much better.”
Though Reed would no longer be a focal point of an offense, he would still be plenty useful in a backup capacity.
Now it is just a matter of whether or not he can stay on the field.
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