Reid commits to new role despite no commitment from 49ers

SANTA CLARA — Eric Reid had some initial hesitation when he was first told that the San Francisco 49ers planned to move the longtime safety to linebacker.

After trying the new position out for more than a week now, Reid is ready to commit to the new role with enthusiasm even if the 49ers aren’t ready to show the same kind of commitment to Reid.

“I had some questions at first about it but I think now I’m really embracing it,” Reid said Thursday. “I’ve been at the position for a week. I think I’m starting to pick it up. I’m looking forward to learning and getting better.”

One of Reid’s concerns when he was first told about the switch was how it would impact his future. Reid, a first-round pick who made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season in 2013, is in the final year of his contract.

With free agency looming, Reid wasn’t sure how the change would affect him when he went looking for a job in the offseason. He said he asked defensive coordinator Robert Saleh if the team wants him to be part of the future and was frustrated when he didn’t get an answer.

“I asked them explicitly, ‘Can you at least tell me I’ll be here next year to play this position?”’ Reid said. “Coach Saleh said he doesn’t make those decisions. For right now I just have to trust that the film I have at safety is good enough for me to enter free agency with and get some film at linebacker as well.”

Reid got his first action at his new position in last week’s 40-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He played 48 of 75 defensive snaps and recorded three tackles. He allowed two completions on three targets, according to Sportradar, as the Niners allowed 501 yards.