Eric Reid Denies Saying He's Considered Retirement Due to Concussions

San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid is only two seasons into a promising NFL career. Despite his early success, the young star talked about the potential impact of concussions on his NFL career on Tuesday, per Eric Branch of SFGate.com:

"

Everybody evaluates their own situation as far as playing this game. I've evaluated mine and I've decided I still want to play. [...] There is a doctor that I'm looking further into and I may end up going to see. Like I said, right now I've evaluated my situation and I feel comfortable playing.

[...] If I have another concussion and I don't feel like I can play any more, then I won't. If I (have another concussion), and if I feel that I still can play, then I will. It's just a case-by-case basis.

"

However, Reid claimed he had been misquoted, "Just to be clear, I NEVER SAID, 'I've given some thought to leaving the NFL.'"

Former 49ers linebacker Chris Borland and right tackle Anthony Davis announced surprising retirements this offseason, which has to at least be playing a minor role in Reid's public contemplation. Reid also stated Tuesday that he respected both players' decisions.

BuzzFeed News' Lindsey Adler analyzed the situation using Borland's abrupt end as context:

"

When the initial shock of Chris Borland's retirement wore off, I definitely thought about Eric Reid http://t.co/qEHowAr3Yg

— Lindsey Adler (@Lahlahlindsey) June 9, 2015"

At just 23 years old, Reid has already suffered three concussions in two seasons since the 49ers drafted him 18th overall out of LSU in the 2013 NFL draft.

There's enough for San Francisco fans to worry about in the midst of an overhauled coaching staff and the loss of two other veteran defensive leaders in Patrick Willis and Justin Smith to retirement. The prospect of losing Reid puts a bit more of a damper on a somewhat discouraging 49ers offseason.

But Reid insists he's locked into playing for now. As long as he's roaming the San Francisco secondary, there's reason to believe the defense can still play at a high level.

General manager Trent Baalke also added depth at safety by drafting Jaquiski Tartt in the second round this year. Tartt is known more as a hard hitter, while last year's first-round pick, Jimmie Ward, is more suited to play Reid's spot because of superior coverage skills.