Justice prevails.
It was only a few months ago that Eric Reid joined Colin Kaepernick as another player in the midst of his prime who's enjoyed years of on-field success but nevertheless found himself without a job.
The Carolina Panthers righted that wrong in late September, signing Reid to a $1.9 million contract for the remainder of the season to address an injury-related lack of depth in the defensive backfield. Thirteen starts, 71 tackles, and five passes defended later, Reid had established himself as a linchpin of Carolina's defense, and was rewarded for it on Monday by signing a three-year, $22 million contract to remain with the Panthers going forward.
Not everyone, unfortunately, was happy to see Reid back in the NFL. But certainly don't count Carolina wide receiver Torrey Smith among the group of fans and front-office personnel who believe Reid is unworthy of playing professional football.
https://twitter.com/TorreySmithWR/status/1095030301951172609
Reid came under nationwide scrutiny over the past couple of years for joining Kaepernick, his former teammate with the San Francisco 49ers, in his protest concerning systemic social injustice against black people. A Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2013, he filed a collusion grievance with the NFLPA in May of last year after he went unsigned following the expiration of his rookie deal with the 49ers.
Reid continued to kneel during the national anthem last season after he was signed by Carolina, which is still dealing with revelations that former owner Jerry Richardson made multiple confidential payouts to team employees who accused him of sexual harassment and using racial slurs. Richardson subsequently caved under public pressure, selling the team to David Tepper in May of last year.
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