Reid is back in the NFL

Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Eric Reid’s return to the NFL created a buzz around the league on Thursday, six months after he filed a grievance alleging collusion by the NFL to prevent teams from signing him because of his participation in racial injustice protests during the national anthem alongside former San Francisco 49ers teammate Colin Kaepernick.

Some NFL players were excited about the 2013 Pro Bowl safety signing a one-year deal with the Panthers, but were quick to point out they believe Kaepernick should be back in the league as well.

Kaepernick congratulated his Reid on Twitter , saying Reid “should have been signed the 1st day of free agency. ... He was the 1ST person 2 kneel alongside me. Eric is a social justice warrior, continues to support his family and communities in need.”

Browns running back Carlos Hyde, who played with Reid and Kaepernick in San Francisco, was stunned to hear his former teammate had been picked up by the Panthers.

“For real?” Hyde said following Cleveland’s practice. “I’m so happy for him. It’s been too long. I kind of felt like they was doing him the same way they were doing Kap, so it’s good to see E-Reid got signed and Kap should definitely be up next. It would be a real good thing then.”

Said Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett, “It’s about time.”

As for Reid, who filed his grievance in May, he was mum during the hoopla on Thursday, declining comment through the Panthers and not weighing in on social media except to re-tweet Kaepernick.

The 26-year-old Reid said in March that he doesn’t plan to protest during the national anthem this season. The Panthers have a bye this week and next play at home on Oct. 7 against the New York Giants.

Kaepernick, who filed his grievance in October 2017 and remains a free agent, began protesting racial and social injustice during the 2016 preseason by kneeling during the national anthem. Reid later joined the quarterback. After that other players around the league joined in, much to the displeasure of President Trump, who Tweeted at players to “Find another way to protest. Stand proudly for your National Anthem or be Suspended Without Pay!”