What's behind the slow-moving safety market?

Reid’s plight is being connected to the ongoing conversation regarding player demonstrations during the national anthem. He was the first player to join then-49ers teammate Colin Kaepernick in taking a knee during the anthem, beginning in summer 2016. Like Kaepernick, Reid has stated that he no longer plans to protest during the anthem. That certainly hasn’t stopped teams from bypassing Kap, and increasingly some believe that’s the reason Reid has no bidders. For example, Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins, who has been a leader among players involved in activism causes though has disagreed with Reid about specific tactics, suspects that NFL teams are avoiding Reid the same way they have with Kaepernick. 

“It would be hard to say that he's not getting any calls just on talent alone," Jenkins told ESPN. "I think any team that is considering him is going to weigh his political views and the strong stance that he's taken the last couple years, and that's unfortunate, but it's just kind of what it is.”

An agent told La Canfora that there’s a perception that teams' disinterest in Reid is driving down the market wholesale for the position. Effectively, the agent argues, teams are worried that they can’t shun Reid without it being obvious, so they’re lowballing free agent safeties across the board.

"It feels like, with Eric Reid in the market, and teams not wanting to touch him, that a lot of other safeties are also being held down. Instead of anybody getting $8 million to $9 million per year, no one is getting it."

Given that the NFL has effectively blackballed Kaepernick for more than a full season, it’s hard to blame anyone for that presumption. Still, there are a few mitigating factors with Reid and other safeties that should give pause.

For example, Seattle is still shopping Pro Bowler Earl Thomas. The Seahawks have had something of a fire sale of their once-vaunted defense this offseason, parting with Michael Bennett and Richard Sherman. They have reportedly been in talks with several teams about a potential deal and have even backed down from a steep initial asking price of a first- and a third-round pick.

Furthermore, the draft is considered to be deep at safety, with some analysts suggesting as many as six could go in the first three rounds. So it’s possible teams, as with other positions, are waiting to see how the draft shakes out before potentially meeting with available veterans on the market. After all, big-time collegiate playmakers are available this year, including Alabama teammates Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison, along with Florida State's Derwin James, Wake Forest's Jessie Bates III and Stanford's Just Reid. 

Considering the recent draft capital used on safeties and the success of the young back-line defenders, it certainly plays a role. Last year alone, three safeties went in the first round and played well as rookies, with the Jets' Jamal Adams, Colts' Malik Hooker and Browns' Jabrill Peppers all getting on the field. Six more safeties were selected in the second round and another two went in the third.

Still, it's odd to see proven, reliable safeties sitting at home. How much teams have been willing to shell out at receiver makes the lull at the position suspicious, though teams have to save money somewhere. At this point, they have leverage to practice patience with the draft looming. After that, it should be easier to draw definitive conclusions, but it sure seems that there has been less of premium placed on what has been a pivotal position in today's NFL.