Eric Reid not guaranteed a part in 49ers future

The 49ers have many decisions to make come the conclusion of the 2017 season.

Embarking on the first of a six-year journey, the brain trust of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have been tasked with assessing the group of talent currently present on their roster and choosing who will join them moving forward with the organization’s current rebuild.

Among those being evaluated is Eric Reid. The fifth-year safety out of Louisiana State university remains one of only four players on San Francisco’s active roster present held over from the Jim Harbaugh era.

But according to the former All-Pro, as of Thursday, the 49ers do not have an answer in regards to his long-term future with the organization, according to The Athletic’s David Lombardi, Reid said:

“(The 49ers) cannot tell me if I’m in their long-term plans.”

Since being drafted in 2013, Reid has been an integral part of the 49ers defense. In five seasons, Reid has recorded 223 tackles, eight interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh also confirmed on Thursday that Reid will officially move from his traditional position to linebacker role after Jaquiski Tartt inherited the strong safety role in Reid’s absence due to an ankle injury.

Reid’s transition to linebacker also comes after the 49ers released long-time middle linebacker Navorro Bowman, who requested to be cut amid trade rumors.

Reid will earn approximately $5.6 million during the 2017 season and will become an unrestricted free agent when the season ends.

Projected to have the most salary cap room for the 2018 season, the 49ers will face the decision of re-signing Reid to another long-term deal or moving on and spending money on other areas of need. Remember, they also desperately need a quarterback, offensive linemen and help at corner. None of those positions will be filled on the cheap.