49ers sign Jordan Reed to 1-year, incentive-heavy contract hoping he can stay healthy

Jordan Reed has a new home on the West Coast with the 49ers who signed the former Washington tight end to a one-year deal with the hopes of him being healthy.

The San Francisco 49ers are in a position to stock up their roster, considering they were just one quarter away from winning Super Bowl LIV. Even though the 49ers have arguably a top-two tight end in George Kittle, that didn’t stop them from bolstering the depth chart.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 49ers are signing Jordan Reed, formerly of the Washington Football Team, to a one-year, incentive-heavy contract. Now, Reed reunites with former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in the Bay Area.

The signing comes hours after ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported the Baltimore Ravens had interest in the one-time Pro Bowler.

Reed in the right place if he can stay healthy

Early on in his career, Reed showed that he could be one of the best at his position. However, the main issue has been his lengthy concussion history. Reed missed the entire 2019 campaign after he suffering a concussion on a hit against Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal in a preseason game. That was the seventh of his career, and Washington effectively placed him on season-ending injured reserve.

Reed’s last full season came in 2018, where he recorded 54 receptions for 558 yards and two touchdowns.

The current 49ers head coach worked with Reed for one year back in 2013, where the then-rookie caught 45-of-59 passes for 499 yards and three touchdowns. Shanahan will now pair Reed with Kittle for a potentially deadly duo at the tight end position. Granted, that’s if the oft-injured tight end can stay healthy for the duration of the season.

Reed has the perfect opportunity to return to his dominant form, and he gets to do so with the Super Bowl favorites in the NFC.