Panthers extend NFL lifeline to Reid

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Eric Reid is getting another shot in the NFL.

The Carolina Panthers signed the free-agent safety Thursday to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not announced.

Reid filed an official grievance letter with the NFL in October 2017, alleging team owners and the league colluded to prevent his employment due to his protest activities. Reid, along with quarterback Colin Kaepernick, participated in protests during the playing of the national anthem before NFL games to highlight social awareness and racial injustice.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said he wasn’t concerned about Reid’s past protests, telling The Associated Press it was a “football decision” that was approved by new owner David Tepper.

“Every decision we make we communicate with” Tepper, he said.

Tepper bought the team from Jerry Richardson in the summer.

“Everybody we sign we ask if he has the skill set and if he helps us win football games and we feel the answer is yes,” Hurney said of Reid.

Kaepernick offered congratulations on Twitter to his former teammate, saying Reid is a “social justice warrior (who) continues to support his family and communities in need.”

It’s unclear if Reid plans to continue his protests when he begins playing for the Panthers, though he said in March he doesn’t plan to protest during the national anthem this season.

The Panthers have a bye this week before playing at home Oct. 7 against the New York Giants.

Reid is expected to start right away after the Panthers placed Da’Norris Searcy on injured reserve last week.

The six-foot-one, 215-pound Reid played the first five seasons of his NFL career with San Francisco after the 49ers selected him in the first round of the 2013 draft.