49ers add veteran tight end Jordan Reed amid Kittle contract talks
Former Washington tight end Jordan Reed reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with the 49ers.
The 49ers made tight end news Monday. And it likely has no reflection on George Kittle’s contract extension.
Former Washington tight end Jordan Reed agreed on an incentive-laden, one-year contract, his agent confirmed. The 49ers have yet to announce the deal, as first reported by ESPN.
Reed, 30, debuted in 2013 under then-Washington coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who’s entering his fourth year as the 49ers’ coach.
Pairing a healthy Reed with Kittle would make for a formidable duo in an offense that often relies on two tight ends in formations, especially if the 49ers start the season without wide receiver Deebo Samuel because of a foot injury.
The 49ers’ addition of a veteran seasoned in the Shanahan system makes sense, in the wake of Garrett Celek’s retirement and Levine Toilolo’s exit in free agency. The 49ers’ backup options behind Kittle include Ross Dwelley, Daniel Helm and rookies Charlie Woerner and Chase Harrell.
Reed’s career has been hindered by concussions, and the seventh one of his career kept him out all last season for Washington, which also spent 2019 without left tackle Trent Williams, who the 49ers acquired this offseason in a trade to replace Joe Staley.
Reed produced career-best numbers in 2015 with 87 receptions for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns.