The Carolina Panthers pretty much threw the entire NFL for a loop on Thursday by announcing that they have signed former Pro Bowl safety Eric Reid.
On the field, Reid is a massive upgrade for the Panthers. Off the field, he brings years of National Anthem protests a close relationship with Colin Kaepernick with him to Carolina.
Still in the midst of claiming league owners have colluded to keep him out of the league, the photo announcing Reid’s signing tells us something about his mentality.
✊✊✊ pic.twitter.com/HVUgzPrHfH
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 27, 2018
Needless to say, those on Twitter had some reactions to the surprising move.
Here is the local headline Carolina Panthers sign safety Eric Reid, known for kneeling during national anthem https://t.co/FCXjD0JjHM
— Tyrone Albert (@crazy08s) September 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/loyaltynlove24/status/1045338442547253250
From my understanding, the #49ers shared early on with Eric Reid where they would go if there were any possibility of re-signing him. Adrian Colbert and Jaquiski Tartt were the starters, so it would have been a one-year deal for backup money. He’ll be a starter with the Panthers.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 27, 2018
Eric Reid has a job, which tells us that one NFL owner has a different world view than the ones who run the league. Don't expect the other shoe you're thinking of to drop any time soon.
— Ray Ratto (@RattoIndy) September 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/jamulmer/status/1045338697745530880
I personally would like to thank the Carolina Panthers for giving Eric Reid the opportunity to continue his career as a PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE. You will forever be the organization for change, and for that David Tepper and this his team should be applauded.
— Michael Frazier (@fralove) September 27, 2018
here’s what eric reid’s signing means for his grievance https://t.co/4z0b2Hs07N pic.twitter.com/U4nK6YDpLq
— Harry Lyles Jr. (@harrylylesjr) September 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/AGerondelis/status/1045339217826631680
Per @FFesq Eric Reid Reid earned a middle-of-the-road 70.3 overall grade by Pro Football Focus last season, which ranked him around 44th overall at the position. excelled as a slot corner, allowing just an 84.4 passer rating and 0.8 yards per coverage snap.
— Jeff Haseley (@JeffHaseley) September 27, 2018
The @Panthers sign safety Eric Reid. Team certainly needed help at safety with Searcy on the IR. Lets hope the convo stays on the pro bowl safeties abilities on the field and not on his kneeling during the anthem. @FOX46News
— Josh Sims (@JoshRSims) September 27, 2018
WE SIGNED ERIC REID Y'ALL!
— Cat Scratch Reader (@CatScratchReadr) September 27, 2018
Statement from #Panthers GM Marty Hurney on the Eric Reid signing, which is a 1-year deal: pic.twitter.com/XaAl7j3MyT
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/ElijvhBuenv/status/1045339542029365248?s=20