49ers free agent Jordan Reed retires amid lingering effects from concussions

Jordan Reed’s retirement Tuesday stirred a few nice memories from his 2020 comeback with the 49ers.

It also was a reminder of how his pre-49ers concussions impact his health.

“I think at this point, what made the choice easy was the fact that I’m dealing with some stuff from concussions and stuff like that,” Reed said to USA Today Sports. “Before, I was able to ignore it and not think about it too much, but when I start dealing with stuff, that’s when it becomes realistic and makes me sit back and think about what I need to do and how I want to live my life after football.

“I had to really seek professional help and sit down and talk with people … and it’s definitely the right decision right now.”

Reid, according to ESPN, planned to keep playing but was advised to retire after a winter visit to Orlando’s Plasticity Center for a brain scan.

Reed, 30, never did form a dynamic duo with fellow tight end George Kittle, something the 49ers might try and address again in the draft or in free agency scraps before training camp.

Reed’s career concluded in mostly dull fashion on a 49ers team waylaid by injuries. He was handled with care in practices once training camp began because of his concussion history, an issue that is ongoing and prompted his Tuesday exit.

After a seventh-documented concussion kept him out 2019 in his final season with Washington, Reed’s health also was impacted by a Week 3 knee injury that sidelined him the 49ers’ five ensuing games.

Turnover at quarterback — from Jimmy Garoppolo to Nick Mullens to C.J. Beathard — led to inconsistency in the passing game, which led to a few sideways looks from Reed if passes strayed off target.

Reed fueled optimism he could be a positive factor early in the 6-10 season, however. He had two touchdown catches in the 49ers’ injury-marred win at the New York Jets in Week 2. A one-handed grab in New Orleans highlighted his season-high 62-yard effort Nov. 15, and he went on to make two more touchdown catches among his 26 overall receptions last year.

Reed, 30, entered the NFL as a Washington third-round draft pick in 2013, when coach Mike Shanahan and future 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan finished out their four-year tenure there. Reed had career-high numbers in 2015 (87 catches, 952 yards, 11 touchdowns) and he made the Pro Bowl the next season before health issues stalled out his career.

Kittle’s next wingman for 2021 might be Charlie Woerner, a 2019 fifth-round draft pick who’s been working out and lifting weights at Kittle’s Nashville barn this offseason. Ross Dwelley and Daniel Helm also return to the tight end mix. Chase Harrell was released last week after spending his rookie season on the practice squad and on the suspended list.

Zach Ertz, an eight-year veteran out of Stanford and Monte Vista HIgh-Danville, is a veteran worth tracking in case the Philadelphia Eagles’ asking price drops in a potential trade. Veterans on the free agent market include Trey Burton (Colts), Tyler Eifert (Jaguars), Richard Rogers (Eagles) and Jesse James (Lions).

As for next week’s draft, the 49ers are expected to draft a quarterback at No. 3, allowing tight end Kyle Pitts to fall to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 4. Other tight ends who might draw the 49ers’ interest: Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth, Notre Dame’s Tommy Tremble, Miami’s Brevin Jordan and Boston College’s Hunter Long are candidates to watch.