Eric Reid, Who Knelt With Kaepernick, Lands A New NFL Job

The Carolina Panthers signed free agent Eric Reid, the former safety for the San Francisco 49ers who filed a grievance against the league for colluding against him because of his role as a face of the player protests during the national anthem.

Reid joined former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in kneeling during the national anthem in 2016, to protest social injustice and police brutality. "He's a player who has obviously played at a high level in this league".

New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty was encouraged when he heard the news that Eric Reid had signed with the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers were in need of a proven safety because veteran Da'Norris Searcy was placed on injured reserve after suffering his second concussion in a month. "He is a physical safety with good ball skills and play-making ability".

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the contract with the Panthers does not impact Reid's collusion grievance against the NFL. It includes play-time incentives, Pro Bowl incentives and per-game roster bonuses.

Kaepernick congratulated his Reid on Twitter, saying Reid "should have been signed the 1st day of free agency. He's one of the best men I've been around, so I hope that is something that can happen for us because I know that with the injuries we have he's a guy that can help this team".

And Hurney, while leaving it up to the coaching staff to figure out how and how soon Reid will contribute, is excited about what Reid could add to a 2-1 team after its bye week. "So I don't see why a team hasn't signed him".

Reid started 12 of 13 games played last season, registering 66 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defenced and one fumble recovery.

"If any really good player wants to come in here on a minimum deal and have a good player to be a backup, that'd be unbelievable". But both Trotter and Branch have reported the team offered Reid a one-year contract.

According to a report by Jim Trotter, Carolina didn't even ask Reid if he plans to continue demonstrating.

The Panthers next play October 7 at home against the New York Giants.