Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney and coach Ron Rivera knew they needed a safety after placing Da’Norris Searcy on injured reserve when he suffered a second concussion in just a matter of weeks. Eric Reid, a former first-round pick and Pro Bowl (2013) nominee, was available but closely tied to Colin Kaepernick and kneeling during the national anthem as a way to raise awareness for social injustice.
He had also filed a collusion lawsuit against the NFL and its owners as he remained unsigned following last season and an extended free agent period.