Coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t need much convincing that free agent Jordan Reed could help the 49ers.
But, to be sure, Shanahan recently reached out to left tackle Trent Williams, Reed’s teammate and close friend since 2013, to ask for his opinion.
The 49ers signed Reed to a one-year contract this week. He reunites with Williams, who came to the 49ers this offseason in a draft-day trade, and with Shanahan.
“Kyle obviously drafted Jordan so I didn’t have to convince him to tell him how good he was,” Williams said Thursday during a video call with reporters in Bay Area. “I think it’s proven. It is well documented.
“I think I just gave him a little insight – because Jordan is one of my closest friends – on how he really felt and where his mental state was.
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Reed’s first season in the NFL was Shanahan’s last season as Washington’s offensive coordinator under the direction of his father and head coach Mike Shanahan.
Reed, 30, has been plagued by injuries and has only played 65 games in his seven seasons.
Reed has 329 career receptions for 3,371 yards and 24 touchdowns. His best season came in 2015, when he saw action in 14 games and caught 87 passes for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns.
He did not play last season after suffering a concussion in a preseason game. It was his seventh documented concussion. Washington released him in February.
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Reed joins a group of tight end 49ers that includes All-Pro George Kittle, and Ross Dwelley, Daniel Helm, Charlie Woerner and Chase Harrell.
“I think he’s going to make this team even better,” Williams said of Reed.
Shanahan certainly agrees with Williams on what Reed can bring to the attack.
“Everyone is aware of Jordan’s ability,” Shanahan said. “When he’s healthy he played at an extremely high level. And he was one of the league’s first tight thirds while in good health.
