Panthers sign Colin Kaepernick’s fellow protester Eric Reid despite his lawsuit accusing NFL owners of colluding against him for kneeling

By ALEX RASKIN SPORTS NEWS EDITOR FOR DAILYMAIL.COM and REUTERS

After going unsigned over the off-season and filing a grievance against the NFL, accusing all 32 owners of colluding against him in retaliation for protesting during the national anthem, former San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid was signed by the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.

The 26-year-old former Pro Bowl selection had been a free agent for six months.

‘Congrats 2 my brother @e_Reid35, all pro safety who should have been signed the 1st day of free agency, who has signed a football contract,’ read a congratulatory tweet from Colin Kaepernick, who has also sued the NFL, accusing the owners of colluding in retaliation for starting the controversial protests in 2016.

‘He was the 1ST person 2 kneel alongside me. Eric is a social justice warrior, continues to support his family. and communities in need.’

According to multiple reports, Reid’s grievance remains active despite Thursday’s deal with the Panthers, which did not require him to dismiss or settle the claim.

Panthers owner David Tepper was involved in conversations that led to Reid’s signing, but the discussions remained about football and did not cover the subject of the anthem, according to multiple reports.

‘This is strictly a football decision,’ Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. ‘On every decision, we ask ourselves if the guy has the skill set and the ability as a football player, if he fits into our scheme, and if he can help us win football games. And the answer to those three questions was yes.’

The team’s previous owner, Jerry Richardson, allegedly cut Marcus Ball for simply making a gesture during the anthem, the current Canadian Football League linebacker claimed in an open letter published by Sports Illustrated.

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