Carolina Panthers: The need to add Eric Reid

The Carolina Panthers could use some help in the defensive backfield in the shape of Eric Reid.

The Carolina Panthers are looking to rebuild key aspects of the team during this off season. While it seems like the offensive line and wide receivers should be the main focus, Carolina also needs to do some work in the defensive backfield. A potential solution may be available in former San Francisco free safety Eric Reid.

Yet, the first question isn’t about Reid’s ability in the game — it’s whether or not teams will shy away from due to his willingness to kneel for what he believes is right.

Eric Reid’s status as a free agent is drawing attention as the offseason continues on. Reid was the first player to join Colin Kaepernick in kneeling during the national anthem during the 2016 season. We’re all well versed in how the narrative around that situation has changed since. What started as a protest to draw attention to injustices that minority communities are facing throughout the country was hijacked by President Donald Trump and like-minded individuals to be about the flag, song, police and military.

This storyline has impacted Kapernick’s career directly as less-qualified quarterbacks are signed throughout the league, Kapernick continues to sit on the sideline. Many are concerned that the same thing will happen to Reid. The former first round draft pick has numbers that are competitive with many of the others playing this position in the league. He’s started 69 of 70 games where he’s produced 10 interceptions and played well for the 49ers. But his name isn’t jumping off of the page as a potential big signing during the offseason.

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This is where the Carolina Panthers come into the conversation. This year the Panthers have made multiple moves when it comes to their defensive secondary. In recent months they’ve let go of Kurt Coleman, Daryl Worley and Teddy Williams. At the same time they’ve brought in Da’Norris Searcy, Ross Cockrell and LaDarius Gunter as potential solutions to their backfield issues. Reid can help fill in this void and not only as a temporary option, but as a long term key player.

What has made the Panthers secondary so vital in previous years is that each piece has operated will in the system. Coleman excelled because of the pressure that was applied up front and the presence of Josh Norman. Once Norman was removed, Coleman’s production slightly dropped.

Without Coleman, only James Bradberry remains as an immediate starter in the defensive secondary. Adding Eric Reid gives the team a young player that has a wealth of experience to make an impact. He can help remove some of the pressure from Bradberry’s shoulders and challenge him as the number one pass defender for this team. Plus, he doesn’t come with a huge price tag which is key for this team under salary cap restrictions.

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Professional sports should be about winning, but too often politics and business get in the way. If both Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid are confined to the sideline this season, that stands as a clear example. The Carolina Panthers are a team that could use Reid’s services and should seriously look into adding him to this defensive backfield.

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