San Francisco 49ers: 5 players with a lot to prove in training camp
By Robert Smith
No. 4: Safety Eric Reid
The former LSU product was drafted in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and proceeded to make the Pro Bowl, racking up 77 tackles and four interceptions. Unfortunately, safety Eric Reid sustained the first of two concussions that season as well.
In his first two seasons, Reid had three concussions, and with the information now widely available regarding concussions and CTE, Reid has intimated that he would consider retirement if he suffered another concussion.
Now Reid enters a contract year switching to a 4-3 defense, as well as moving to the other side of the field to the strong safety position. There he will battle, among others, Jaquiski Tartt in a role that will require a physical, man-to-man presence.
His health and determination in proving himself to the new coaching staff should help Reid win the starting job, but he will first have to knock off the rust created by missing time late last season with a biceps tear.
Reid is at a crossroads to either land an extension in San Francisco or prove himself worthy of a deal somewhere else if the Niners choose to move in another direction in 2018.