Wednesday afternoon, the Carolina Panthers released outspoken safety, team leader, and Colin Kaepernick’s best friend, Eric Reid. The move saves Carolina $3 million in cap space, including $5.5 million with a post-June 1 designation. Reid previously signed a three-year, $22 million deal with Carolina last offseason. He collected 130 total tackles and four sacks during the 2019 campaign, setting career highs.
During this offseason, the Panthers have been ridding themselves of big contracts as new head coach, Matt Rhule, overhauls the roster.
They also have moved on from Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen, saving about $8.1 million in cap space, and traded Pro Bowl right guard Trai Turner to the Los Angeles Chargers to get out of the final two seasons of his four-year, $45 million contract and save about $3 million this year. The Panthers also parted with special-teams captain Colin Jones, saving another $1.1 million in cap space with only a $200,000 hit in dead money. Lastly, Carolina told Cam Newton he is free to seek a trade (or be released) earlier this week. His departure will free up $19.1 million under this year’s salary cap.
“It’s been a pleasure Carolina!” Reid wrote on Twitter to announce his release. “I enjoyed my time and the support I received from the fans, media, teammates, and staff there will be remembered. Looking forward to furthering my career in another city!”
It’s been a pleasure Carolina! I enjoyed my time and the support I received from the fans, media, teammates, and staff there will be remembered. Looking forward to furthering my career in another city!
— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) March 18, 2020
Reid became famous in the NFL and pop culture as he knelt with then-teammate Kaepernick, prostesting police brutality while playing for the San Francisco 49ers. A team that could use the LSU product is the Cleveland Browns. The Browns have released safety Morgan Burnett, while the team let Juston Burris and Eric Murray walk in free agency. Burris signed with the Panthers, while Murray went to the Texans on a three-year deal.
