The Carolina Panthers made the move it seemed many NFL teams weren’t interested in, as they announced the signing of safety Eric Reid Thursday. The former San Francisco 49ers safety opted to kneel with Colin Kaepernick during the national anthem previously and although incredibly talented, remained unsigned after playing 13 games in 2017.
Carolina’s decision to add the 26-year-old was purely a football decision, and it’s unknown if he will continue to kneel in his return to the league. Matt Bonesteel of the Washington Post revealed back in March that Reid stated at the time he would not protest the national anthem if signed by an NFL team.
The news of Reid’s signing led to plenty of reactions pouring in, so let’s take a look at what some of the media, players, and fans had to say about it.
NFL Players Association President, Former Player Eric Winston
Congrats to Eric Reid!!
Comments From Panthers WR Torrey Smith
Torrey Smith on Panthers adding Eric Reid: “I’m excited. It shouldn’t have taken this long, a person with his talent. We all understand the reason why. This says a lot about the men & the leaders here. They’re making a football decision, but Eric is also a great man & leader.”
Torrey Smith Tweets
Panthers LB Shaq Thompson
Eric Reid’s Brother, Justin Sounds Off
Justin Reid on his brother Eric Reid signing with Carolina and the stand he has taken ‘immensely proud’ called him a ‘voice for the voiceless’
Former NFL CB Charles James
I see you Eric Reid ✊🏾
Danny Kannell Takes a Shot
Wait…I thought Eric Reid was being blackballed??? I guess the Panthers didn’t get the memo.
Jimmy Traina Thinks Timing Is Everything
Eric Reid news dropping during Kavanaugh hearing. Shrewd move by the Panthers.
First Take’s Molly Rose
Ian Rapoport Reveals Reid’s Collusion Case is Unchanged
My understanding is that Eric Reid’s place in the collusion lawsuit against the NFL remains unchanged, despite his signing with the #Panthers.
Saying What Many Are Thinking
About time (Eric Reid).
Eric Reid’s NFL Career
The former 49ers safety made the Pro Bowl in 2013 as a rookie after being the No. 18 pick overall pick out of LSU. Over his five seasons with San Francisco, Reid played in 70 games and totaled 319 combined tackles, 34 passes defensed, 10 interceptions and two forced fumbles.
While Reid had an exceptional rookie season in which he racked up 77 tackles, 11 passes defensed and four interceptions, he was unable to replicate that success statistically in any following season. Even still, the young safety has plenty of upside and should be a solid addition to the Panthers’ secondary.
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Panthers Teammates React on Twitter to Signing of Eric Reid