Safety Eric Reid finally has some interest in the free-agent market. The 26-year-old is set to make his first free-agent visit with the Cincinnati Bengals, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Sources: Free agent S Eric Reid, one several quality starters available at the position, is slated to visit the #Bengals. This is believed to be the first FA visit for the former #49ers first-rounder.
Reid is a free agent for the first time since coming into the league in 2013. He has 10 interceptions and 36 passes defensed in 70 career games. But despite being a former first-round pick, not to mention a consistent starter in his five years with the San Francisco 49ers, Reid has not had any suitors around the league in free agency.
This has led to speculation that Reid was being blackballed by teams due to his kneeling protests during the national anthem. He was the first player to kneel alongside Colin Kaepernick in doing those controversial protests and continued even when Kap left the team. However, he has since said that he will no longer conduct that sort of protest next season.
The Bengals apparently think Reid can serve as an upgrade in their secondary. Cincinnati’s safeties – George Iloka and Shawn Williams – were fairly mediocre last season. Reid would give the Bengals the ability to deploy more three-safety looks, which is their goal according to Rapoport.
Reid is also versatile enough to play some slot corner and even hybrid linebacker if needed, which would give the Bengals even more options in terms of how to use him. That is if they do decide to sign him.
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