Carolina Panthers: Was releasing Eric Reid a mistake?

Was releasing Reid the right decision?

Much will depend on the play of Tre Boston and Juston Burris as to whether releasing Eric Reid was the right call by the Carolina Panthers. The team is widely expected to struggle in 2020 and if they can find fill-in players while building back up their salary cap allowance might be enough for now.

Ambitions are not high at all when it comes to the Panthers’ long term aspirations. Matt Rhule and David Tepper will not be judged on this season and that led the way for them to release some star names and somehow come to terms with the shock retirement of Luke Kuechly.

This roster overhaul has been a long time coming in Carolina. There has been a shadow over the franchise over the last two seasons as head coach Ron Rivera outstayed his welcome and simply ran out of motivation and ideas.

Many didn’t expect Reid to last more than a season in Carolina, and his play not only gave him more financial security. But also made other teams sit up and take notice to witness what he was still capable of in the midst of negative media attention.

Reid should not be vilified for standing up for what he believes in. And the Panthers let him express his feeling without fear of reprisal. One must not forget that the NFL is a business, and although they might see the negative impact of the player’s release in the short-term, Carolina should remember they are playing the long game.