Reid started in all but one of the 70 games he played over five seasons with the 49ers.
The Carolina Panthers have signed veteran safety Eric Reid, giving the former LSU football player a new team for the first time since his contract with the San Francisco 49ers expired after the 2017 season.
Reid drew attention during his final two season in San Francisco for his decision to kneel during the national anthem before games as a way to protest police brutality and other social injustices.
The Panthers announced the signing in a Twitter message Thursday (Sept. 27). In the tweet, a photo of Reid showed one raised fist as he wore a purple t-shirt with the letters “D-B-U” in gold.
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Reid is one of several free-agent safeties who waited longer than many expected to find a new team. Former New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro did not sign with the Tennessee Titans until after the start of training camp in August.
“Eric has been a starting safety in the NFL and has played at a high level throughout his career,” general manager Marty Hurney said, via the team website . “After we put (safety) Da’Norris Searcy on injured reserve, (coach) 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.”
Reid started in all but one of the 70 games he played over five seasons with the 49ers. He was selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2013. The 49ers selected him at No. 18 overall in the first round of the NFL Draft that year.
The Panthers do not have a game this week. The next game is Oct. 7 at home against the New York Giants. The Panthers and Saints do not play until Dec. 17, in Carolina, with a second game Dec. 30 in New Orleans.
