The Carolina Panthers went out and signed one of the top available free agents this past week in safety Eric Reid. It was a move that will bolster their defense, especially with Reid's game fitting perfectly into the hard-hitting, playmaking atmosphere that the Panthers' defense plays with. Cam Newton may not play with Reid directly, but the star quarterback could not be more excited about having him on the roster.

In an interview with Panthers.com, Newton shared his enthusiasm about the Reid signing with the public.

“Obviously it was a wowing kind of response from everybody, including myself. I think it was the right move. He’s a great player. We’ve accepted him with open arms. We know he’s going to be an impact player for us, and that’s all I care about.”

“We got a steal, I feel,” Newton added. “I know there are a lot of teams that if Eric was still a free agent they would love to have him. I don’t need (to) say the teams, but I’m glad we got him.”

Newton went on to talk about Reid and the issues that he has had to deal with because of his choice to kneel during the National Anthem and taking a strong stance against injustice in the country.

“I’m going to stand by him and none of that will be a distraction as far as us winning football games. What he does on the football field is going to impact this team. I know that. We got a steal, I feel. I know there are a lot of teams that if Eric was still a free agent they would love to have him. I don’t need (to) say the teams, but I’m glad we got him.”

Reid was a star for the San Francisco 49ers last season. It was a surprise that it took so long for Reid to get signed, but many believe that is due to the press that would come with signing him.

In 2017 with San Francisco, Reid racked up 67 tackles to go along with a fumble recovery, two interceptions, and four defended passes.

Those numbers show why the Panthers are so excited to welcome Reid on board. Newton and company are getting a huge boost to their defense and he will help them compete in what will be a very tough NFC playoff race.