You're wrong about that. He's very much a hybrid Safety. He also didn't really regress, he just played behind Tartt, who graded out even better. His problem has been his health, but his injuries have been fairly minor. PFF graded him 81.4 in 2017, which is an above average grade, and the 30th overall best for the safety position. They also ranked him as the 42'nd best free agent in the 2017 free agent class. If Pff isnt enough for you, this is what the guys over at the NFL 1000 scouting department had to say about him. They had him ranked as the 10th best SS in 2017.
Eric Reid was good everywhere. The fact he still lost his starting spot tells you how good Jaquiski Tartt was. Reid excelled in the box. He was aggressive against the run and didn't miss too many tackles. He had no problem going out wide or playing in slot coverage, either. Look for the impending free agent to have a big impact for whoever he plays for.
—NFL1000 DB Scout, Kyle Posey
The 49ers asked Reid to play a host of roles in 2017—everything from "moneybacker" to deep safety—and he took every challenge with aplomb. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh had Reid at the line of scrimmage a lot, where he could blitz, shoot the gaps to stop the run or drop into curl/flat coverage based on the defense. He has become one of the NFL's more versatile safeties and would be a major asset for any team looking to expand its nickel and dime coverage looks.
—NFL1000 Lead Scout Doug Farrar
Im no fan of the players who protested, but when you read into the players who have, Reid is among the more intelligent ones who actually spends a lot of time in the community. He is an idiot for being vocal about why teams haven't signed him. However if he is willing to shut up, and start standing, like he said he is, he could be a steal of a signing. I have a feeling most people will have forgotten the whole anthem protest thing by the end of next season, as long as it stops. Its not very often you can get a player of his caliper for the price he might come at. Im all for jumping on and giving it a shot. Ive said it before, take advantage of his situation and offer him a lowball 2-3 year contract with not much guaranteed. Something along the lines of Chungs original 2nd contract. Chung has been great for us, but he has also been up and down at times. I like that they extended him, but he's also going to be 31 by the start of next season. Reid is 26, and has tons of upside.