The Carolina Panthers took a risk signing safety Eric Reid just three games into the 2018 season after Da’Norris Searcy was placed on injured reserve. Amid a law suit against the NFL and being the first player to kneel alongside former quarterback Colin Kaepernick in protest of social injustice during the national anthem, Reid was presented as a football signing in the best interest of the team.
A former first-round draft pick (No. 18 overall) who had started for the San Francisco 49ers since being selected, his skill set was obvious and the need was apparent.