CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have signed free agent safety Eric Reid to a one-year contract, according to the team.
Reid garnered attention for kneeling alongside former San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the 2016 season to protest social injustice.
The National Football League Players Association filed a grievance against the NFL for Reid, saying owners in the league and the NFL colluded in an effort to keep him unsigned as a result of his protests.
Reid was selected 18th overall in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and played his first five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
“Eric has been a starting safety in the NFL and has played at a high level throughout his career,” general manager Marty Hurney said. “After we put Da’Norris Searcy on injured reserve, Ron (Rivera) and I discussed our options, and Eric was at the top of our list. He is a physical safety with good ball skills and play-making ability.”
Reid was a Pro Bowl and All-Rookie selection following his rookie season after starting all 16 games for San Francisco and recording 92 tackles, four interceptions, 11 passes defensed and one fumble recovery. He started all three playoff games for the 49ers that season, helping the team to an NFC Championship game appearance.
In 2017, Reid started 12 of 13 games played and had 66 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery.
Reid has been dependable throughout his career, starting 69 of 70 regular season games played, registering 375 tackles, 10 interceptions, 34 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Reid was a standout in college at LSU. He earned All-America honors and was named First-Team All-SEC after his senior season. Reid finished his career with 199 tackles, 11 passes defensed, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
