In light of losing veteran Morgan Burnett to the Pittsburgh Steelers, several former players want the Green Bay Packers to sign free agent defensive back Eric Reid.

Jermichael Finley, LeRoy Butler and Gary Ellerson all urged the Packers to add Reid, a former Pro Bowler who – like Burnett – played several different positions for the San Francisco 49ers.

Burnett, 29, agreed to a three-year deal with the Steelers on Tuesday. His departure appears to open the door for safeties Josh Jones and Kentrell Brice to see more of the field in 2018, but the Packers could want a replacement for the highly versatile Burnett – and there’s no better fit than Reid.

The former first-round pick played safety, inside linebacker and slot cornerback for the 49ers last season. Burnett played an almost identical role in Green Bay.

Signing Reid would give the Packers more veteran depth at safety and linebacker, as well as another legitimate option for covering the slot, potentially lessening the need at cornerback. He’s strong at defending the run, blitzing through gaps and covering the middle of the field.

Given the fact Burnett signed a deal worth less than $5 million per year, it’s likely Reid would be an affordable option for general manager Brian Gutekunst.

There’s one more factor: Reid’s social activism. He was an active participant in protests during the national anthem last season, which could be playing a role in his current unemployment. However, the Packers weren’t openly against the player protests last season.

Former general manager Ted Thompson drafted Jones in the second round in preparation for losing Burnett this offseason, but the Packers secondary needs help. Adding Reid could immediately reinforce the group, giving new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine his own younger version of Burnett.