Robert Saleh, 49ers miss out on chance to reunite with D.J. Reed

Robert Saleh might have wanted the 49ers to lure back D.J. Reed early in free agency, but Reed is ultimately landing with another top NFC contender.

One of the potential positives from the San Francisco 49ers bringing back Robert Saleh as their defensive coordinator earlier this offseason was the chance to convince some soon-to-be former New York Jets defenders to follow their ex-head coach over to the West Coast.

So far, though, it hasn't panned out that way.

While the Niners may have modestly entertained the idea of bringing back defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to address their depleted defensive line, Kinlaw is ultimately getting paid handsomely to head to the Washington Commanders.

On top of that, cornerback D.J. Reed will be going to yet another NFC contender, the Detroit Lions, as reported by Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz:

Reed, whom San Francisco drafted in Round 5 back in 2018, had a blooming career over his first two pro seasons, but the 49ers unwisely waived him with an injury early in 2020 with the hope he'd clear waivers and revert back to an injury list.

Unfortunately for Saleh and the Niners, the Seattle Seahawks claimed Reed, who has flourished into one of the NFL's top cornerbacks.

From 2022 through much of 2024, at least Saleh had the chance to coach Reed again when both were in the Big Apple.

Now, though, Saleh and San Francisco are both denied the shot at getting Reed back in a 49ers uniform, although it's hard to imagine the cash-strapped Niners dolling out that kind of money for a premier player after inking fellow corner Deommodore Lenoir to a contract extension last season.

One can only hope Reed and the Lions don't become something of a perennial thorn in San Francisco's side for the foreseeable future.

Read more from Niner Noise