Panthers sign safety Eric Reid to 1-year deal

The Carolina Panthers announced the signing of safety Eric Reid to a one-year contract on Thursday.

The former Pro Bowler played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2013-17, where he famously knelt alongside Colin Kaepernick during the national anthem in 2016.

Despite widely being considered one of the better safeties available on the free-agent market, Reid had gone unsigned until this point. As a result, he filed a collusion grievance against the NFL in May.

"Eric has been a starting safety in the NFL and has played at a high level throughout his career," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement. "After we put 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 playmaking ability."

The Panthers changed ownership in the most recent offseason, as Jerry Richardson sold the franchise to David Tepper for a reported $2.2 billion. Hurney was brought aboard in July 2017 on an interim basis, and then hired permanently in February.

Meanwhile, Panthers receiver Torrey Smith offered to endorse the signing of Reid earlier in the week.

Reid didn't dismiss or settle his collusion grievance against the league as part of his signing with the Panthers, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports, citing a source.

However, Reid said in March that he would be willing to stop protesting social injustice during the national anthem. He added that he'd continue to be active in off-the-field matters.

Earlier this week, Reid joined Kaepernick to participate in a backpack giveaway to members of the Lower Eastside Girls Club of New York.