Eric Reid lasted just one season following a lucrative extension, but did the Carolina Panthers make a mistake releasing the player?
The Carolina Panthers took the surprising decision to release Eric Reid this offseason after just two years with the franchise. The outspoken safety performed largely well but was deemed surplus to requirements by the new regime.
Whether this was a mistake or not, only time will tell. The Panthers have made a concerted effort to dump big contracts such as Reid’s since the end of the season. Quarterback Cam Newton was released, guard Trai Turner was traded and experienced tight end Greg Olsen found a new home in free agency.
This has left the franchise facing serious questions about the legitimate chances of succeeding in what is expected to be an ultra-competitive NFC South next season. Reid was a tackling machine for the Panthers last year. But he brought some unwelcome distractions off the field despite the team’s support of his endeavors.
Carolina did not hang around to bring in reinforcements at the safety position in free agency. There is also the prospect of drafting a development project who is capable of making a starting spot his own in a year or two.
Reid’s production will be missed if these new recruits do not live up to expectations. And the Panthers might rue the decision to part ways with the player.
Eric Reid’s time with the Panthers
Eric Reid was a high-profile arrival with the Carolina Panthers in 2018. This came amidst the player’s grievance against the NFL that stated the organization and its owners colluded to prevent employment because of his protest alongside much-maligned Colin Kaepernick.
He received a considerable amount of support during this time from the Panthers, with owner David Tepper and head coach Ron Rivera doing all they could to keep the player happy during his ordeal.
This brought a decent level of production during his first year with the franchise. Reid recorded 71 combined tackles (50 solo), three pass deflections, an interception, and a sack in 2018. He became an assured presence in the secondary and ensured the Panthers’ effort in the player paid off.
He continued this trend during an otherwise disappointing season in Carolina, who finished with a 5-11 record in 2019. Reid’s exemplary tackling was a standout feature of his play throughout the campaign, notching 130 combined and 97 solo takedowns from 16 games.
Reid also achieved a career-high four sacks, a forced fumble, and six pass deflections to further highlight his overall influence on the team.
Given the player’s upward curve and the fact he is still only 28-years-old, Carolina’s parting ways with Reid did raise some eyebrows when the announcement was made.
Eric Reid’s contract situation
After impressing during his first year with the Carolina Panthers, Eric Reid signed three-year, $22 million deal with the franchise last spring. This represented a large financial commitment from the organization to a player that had become a polarizing figure.
Reid was due to count $8 million against the Panthers’ salary cap in 2020. Releasing the player saved Carolina just $3 million in cap space and pile $5 million more on to their incredible dead cap money, which is comfortably the highest in the NFL.
One would think the Panthers regret giving Reid such a large deal. But even though his performances on the field were good enough in certain areas, it was not enough to see him continue his time with the franchise.
The Panthers have been very busy during the offseason getting rid of high-earning players who are seen to be underperforming. This might come with its own financial restrictions in the short-term. But it will allow the organization to build from the bottom up if things do not go according to plan next season.
Reid made just $1.69 million during his first season with the franchise. He proved he was worthy of a bigger role and even though he is no longer with the team, the player has received some substantial rewards financially from his time in Carolina.
Why did the Panthers release Reid?
With a new regime brings with it different ideas. This is particularly evident with the Carolina Panthers this offseason and has left Eric Reid as the odd man out.
Head coach Matt Rhule is starting over and expectations of a playoff run could not be lower in 2020. This gives the former Baylor shot-caller with a free pass to build something new and this normally takes time in the NFL.
They at least haven’t left themselves short in potential replacements for Reid. Tre Boston re-signed with the Panthers on a three-year deal worth $18 million and Juston Burris was also brought in on a two-year, $8 million deal.
This gives Carolina two starting options from which to build going forward. They also represent cheaper alternatives to Reid and come with far less scrutiny given his outspoken nature of the way things are being handled culturally in the NFL.
To suggest any off the field issues were relating to Reid’s release would be foolish. Especially when one considers how much emotional support he received during his time with the franchise.
Reid became a victim of circumstance within a team of transition. He wasn’t the only one, with a series of big-name veterans also shown the door by the Panthers in recent weeks.
What will be interesting is if somebody else takes a chance on Reid given the amount of potential disruption he can cause.
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.