Quick hits Kaepernick lauds Reid signing with Panthers

Former San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid finally has found a new team, signing Thursday with the Carolina Panthers after lingering six months on the free-agent market.

The 49ers, it turns out, wanted him, too. Amid injuries to starting safeties Jaquiski Tartt and Adrian Colbert, the 49ers pursued a one-year deal with Reid earlier this week, a league source confirmed.

Reid, as he waited for his next job, joined Colin Kaepernick in May by filing a grievance against the NFL over alleged collusion, claiming owners were keeping them out of the league based on their social activism and kneeling protests during the national anthem since 2016.

Reid had taken a visit in the spring to the Cincinnati Bengals, where it was reported they rebuffed signing him when he declined to state how he might act during the anthem. Kaepernick has not signed or even worked out for a team since opting in March 2017 to void his 49ers contract.

Several players around the league responded to Reid’s signing with applause through social media, including Kaepernick, who Tweeted: “Congrats 2 my brother @e _ reid35, all pro safety who should have been signed the 1st day of free agency, who has signed a football contract. He was the 1ST person 2 kneel alongside me. Eric is a social justice warrior, continues to support his family. and communities in need.”

Reid signed a one-year with the Panthers. Financial terms were not immediately known. The Panthers (2-1) are idle this week and next play Oct. 7 against the New York Giants.