Eric Reid’s long wait to rejoin the NFL after having been largely ignored during free agency is over. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Carolina Panthers have signed the former San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl safety.
It’s a 1-year deal for the #Panthers and S Eric Reid, I’m told. A football decision, with the best safety available. This has been in the works since Tuesday, and he’s in the building now meeting with coaches.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 27, 2018
This is an absolutely stunning move from an organization that has changed dramatically since David Tepper took over ownership from Jerry Richardson earlier this year.
Known primarily for joining former teammate Colin Kaepernick in the National Anthem protests back in 2016, Reid is in the midst of a battle with the NFL. He claims that the league owners have colluded to keep him out of the league.
Considered by most to be Kaepernick’s right-hand man, the two have worked with one another on a lot of off-field projects since Reid last suited up in a game during the 2017 season.
Carolina’s decision to sign Reid aligns pretty well with a new ownership group that seems to be forward-thinking and inclusive.
On the field, he recorded 66 tackles, four passes defended and two interceptions in 12 starts for the 49ers. Reid is a massive upgrade from that standpoint.
Even then, this signing is going to create some major debate within the North Carolina community. That’s for sure.