Santa Clara – Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said that he wouldn’t be surprised if 220-pound safety Eric Reid becomes the 49ers’ starting weak outside linebacker in the coming weeks.
For now, Reid is working out as the team’s nickel linebacker, so he can handle backs and tight ends in the pass game. In his opinion, Saleh said that running backs and tight ends have evolved faster than the linebackers who cover them.
That’s why defenses are transitioning to lighter, quicker linebackers like Arizona’s Deone Bucannon, the Rams’ Alex Barron and Jacksonville’s Telvin Smith. All but Smith were drafted as safeties.
It’s an interesting transition for Reid, particularly since he’s in a contract year and he put that very question to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and general manager John Lynch.
“They were open and honest with me and told me they really believe that this is what was best for the team and they think I can excel at the position,” Reid said. “I am embracing my role and doing what’s best for the team and whatever happens, happens.”
However, Reid admitted that he was frustrated that the team couldn’t commit to him financially if he agreed to make the move.
“I asked them explicitly can you at least tell me next year if I will be playing this position?” Reid related. “They told me no. Coach Saleh said he doesn’t make those decisions. Right now I trust the film I have at safety is good enough for me to enter free agency with and I’ll just get some film on linebacker as well.”
Obviously, Reid believes the team won’t be offering him a contract before free agency opens next year. However that could change if Reid excels.
“There’s no doubt in my mind, if the league thinks (Reid) was a really good safety, wait until you see his versatility and what he’s able to do as a linebacker.” Saleh said. “He’s going to be unbelievable.”
Saleh said Reid’s already made strides after a week of practice. The question will be Reid’s ability to hold up against guards and tackles in the run game. In Saleh’s scheme, Reid will have gap responsibilities against guards in particular.
Reid said he’s used to flying up from the secondary in run support, now being closer to the line of scrimmage, his reaction time will be quicker and he’ll be thinking less. But Reid likes challenges and this is how he views the position switch.
“I think the coaches know I love a challenge,” Reid said. “Sometimes I’ve gotten bored in meetings, because it’s the same thing over and over and over again, so this is giving me a new energy, new juice.”