Panthers signing of Eric Reid has many layers
The Carolina Panthers have signed safety Eric Reid to a one-year contract.
Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney and coach Ron Rivera have been open about looking for players to fill the safety position after Da’Norris Searcy was placed on injured reserve. This past Sunday the Panthers rotated between veteran Mike Adams, perennial back up Colin Jones and rookie Rashaan Gaulden to fill the void left in Searcy’s absence.
The results were a mixed bag of both good and bad but Carolina can ill afford to let the absence of a safety hurt them on the back end. Jones was responsible for a score and although rookie cornerback Donte Jackson hauled in two interceptions, he was the beneficiary of a resurgent pass rush that had previously disappeared against Atlanta.
With a few free agents left on the market, Carolina signed former San Francisco 49ers safety, Eric Reid.
Reid is a proven NFL player who has started all but one game over a five-year career with the team that selected him in the first-round (No. 18 overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. However, he remained unsigned and reportedly didn’t want a one-year deal from his former team.
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Not only has the financial side played into his remaining unsigned but Reid also aligned himself with former teammate Colin Kaepernick, continuing to kneel during the national anthem prior to games. Both factors have undoubtedly played into his remaining a free agent as Reid opened a collusion grievance against the NFL about his employment status.
Carolina, Hurney and new owner David Tepper determined Reid was worth an opportunity and he already has the support of at least one teammate. Wide receiver Torrey Smith shared the locker room with Reid in San Francsico and has had only positive things to say about the newest Panthers player.
The Panthers are entering their bye week so Reid will not take the field until October 7 at Bank of America Stadium to host the New York Giants.
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There will be questions surrounding this decision even if Reid elects to stand during the national anthem but ultimately, Carolina needed a safety and he was the best available.