Eric Reid signs with Panthers, back in league after protests
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eric Reid’s return to the NFL created a buzz around the league on Thursday, six months after he filed a grievance alleging collusion by the NFL to prevent teams from signing him because of his participation in racial injustice protests during the national anthem alongside former San Francisco 49ers teammate Colin Kaepernick.
Some NFL players were excited about the 2013 Pro Bowl safety signing a oneyear deal with the Panthers, but were quick to point out they believe Kaepernick 2016 preseason by kneeling should be during the national back in the anthem. Reid later joined league as the quarterback. After that well. other players around the Kaepernick league joined in, much to congratulated his Reid the displeasure of President on Twitter , saying Reid Trump, who Tweeted “should have been signed at players to “Find another the 1st day of free agency. way to protest. Stand ... He was the 1ST person proudly for your National 2 kneel alongside me. Eric Anthem or be Suspended is a social justice warrior, Without Pay!” continues to support his That sparked a polarizing family and communities in political debate that divided need.” some NFL fans.
Browns running back Dolphins wide receiver Carlos Hyde, who played Kenny Stills knelt during with Reid and Kaepernick this year’s season opener in San Francisco, was against the Titans. stunned to hear his former “I’m just happy for teammate had been picked (Reid), excited to see him up by the Panthers. get out there on the field
“For real?” Hyde said and be the impact player following Cleveland’s practice. we all know he is,” Stills “I’m so happy for him. said Thursday. “Obviously It’s been too long. I kind of I feel like he should have felt like they was doing him been signed the first day of the same way they were free agency.” doing Kap, so it’s good to Stills said he spoke to see E-Reid got signed and Kaepernick, his close Kap should definitely be up friend, on Thursday. next. It would be a real good “He wants to play. He’s thing then.” good enough to play. He deserves
Said Eagles defensive to play,” Stills said. end Michael Bennett, “It’s “I don’t see why a team about time.” won’t sign him, or hasn’t
As for Reid, who filed his signed him.” grievance in May, he was The decision by the Panthers mum during the hoopla on to sign Reid comes Thursday, declining comment less than three months after through the Panthers David Tepper bought and not weighing in on the team from conservative social media except to retweet owner Jerry Richardson. Kaepernick. Panthers general manager
The 26-year-old Reid said Marty Hurney said in March that he doesn’t he wasn’t concerned about plan to protest during the Reid’s past protests, telling national anthem this season. The Associated Press it was The Panthers have a a “football decision” — and bye this week and next play one that was approved by at home on Oct. 7 against Tepper. the New York Giants. “Every decision we make
Kaepernick, who filed his we communicate with” grievance in October 2017 Tepper, the GM said. “Everybody and remains a free agent, we sign we ask if began protesting racial and he has the skill set, does he social injustice during the fit into our system, and if he can help us win football games — and we feel the answer is yes.”
Eric Reid’s younger brother, Justin, who plays safety for the Texans, said he is “immensely proud” of what his older brother stands for “in trying to have a voice for the voiceless.”
When asked if he believes his brother was not signed earlier by NFL teams because of his decision to protest, Justin Reid said “I’m going to try and defer away from that.”
Reid is expected to start right away after the Panthers placed starter Da’Norris Searcy on injured reserve last week with a concussion. The 6-foot-1, 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 NFL draft. He has started 69 games.
“He’s a physical safety with good ball skills and he makes plays and he has experience,” Hurney said. “He’s a young player with skins on the wall. He has played at a very high level.”
Forty Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh confirmed Thursday they inquired about signing Reed this week after injuries to Jaquiski Tartt and Adrian Colbert.
“E-Reid is familiar with our system and we know him, are comfortable with him,” Saleh said. “Obviously, it didn’t work out, but any time you have the opportunity you explore it.”