However, one NFL writer believes a veteran New York Jets cornerback with ties to the 49ers could follow defensive coordinator Robert Saleh back to the Bay Area. Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News made several free agency predictions, envisioning D.J. Reed returning to the team that drafted him in the fifth round in 2018.
"Reed is a good candidate to follow his former Jets head coach Robert Saleh and fill a key need for the 49ers secondary," Iyer wrote.
If the move happens, it would correct a major misstep by the 49ers. In 2020, the team attempted to sneak Reed through waivers with a non-football injury designation, only for the Seattle Seahawks to claim him. After two seasons in Seattle, Reed joined the Jets in 2022 and has developed into a reliable starting cornerback.
Reed enters free agency as Pro Football Focus' (PFF) top-ranked free-agent cornerback. The analytics site projects his next contract will be around three years, $42 million, with $27.5 million guaranteed.
"Reed is set to enter free agency after earning his sixth straight season-long 70.0-plus PFF overall grade," Pro Football Focus wrote. "His 70.1 coverage grade in 2024 ranked 31st among qualifying cornerbacks. He excelled in PFF's advanced metrics, boasting a 51.28% lockdown percentage."
Meanwhile, Iyer predicts the Atlanta Falcons will sign the departing Ward.
"Should the 49ers look to make a big cornerback change and opt for a slight upgrade in Reed, Ward would not be retained," Iyer wrote.
Additionally, Iyer predicts linebacker Dre Greenlaw leaving for the Dallas Cowboys, noting that he would reunite with former 49ers assistant Nick Sorensen, who now oversees Dallas' special teams.
"Linebacker is a key need for the Cowboys," Iyer added.
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