The Carolina Panthers announced Thursday morning they've signed the safety, who joined Colin Kaepernick in kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest social injustice and racial inequality.
The deal is for one year, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
The free agent had gone unsigned throughout the offseason and into the start of the regular season despite a solid season playing multiple roles in San Francisco last year.
The Panthers needed safety help after starter Da'Norris Searcy went on injured reserve before Week 3 with a concussion. Carolina's safeties struggled last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Backup Colin Jones got the start, and the team turned to rookie Rashaan Gaulden during the win.
"Eric has been a starting safety in the NFL and has played at a high level throughout his career," general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement. "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."
Adding a veteran of Reid's caliber during the season should provide a needed coverage ability and versatility on the Panthers' back end. The 26-year-old played at least 100 defensive snaps at safety, slot cornerback, off-ball linebacker and edge with the 49ers last season, per Pro Football Focus. For his career, Reid has started 69 regular season games played, earning 375 tackles, 10 interceptions, 34 passes defended, and two forced fumbles. He earned Pro Bowl honors his rookie season.
Adding a veteran of Reid's caliber during the season should provide a needed coverage ability and versatility on the Panthers' back end. The 26-year-old played at least 100 defensive snaps at safety, slot cornerback, off-ball linebacker and edge with the 49ers last season, per Pro Football Focus. For his career, Reid has started 69 regular season games played, earning 375 tackles, 10 interceptions, 34 passes defended, and two forced fumbles. He earned Pro Bowl honors his rookie season.
