Sports

Eric Reid Says Anthem Protests A Reason He Is Unsigned

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Matt Candler Contributor
Font Size:

NFL free agent safety Eric Reid — Colin Kaepernick’s original kneeling sidekick — says he remains unsigned because team owners don’t approve of him protesting systematic oppression.

The former first round pick tweeted, “The notion that I can be a great signing for your team for cheap, not because of my skill set but because I’ve protested systemic oppression, is ludicrous. If you think is, then your mindset is part of the problem too.”


Since the NFL free agency period kicked off Monday, teams have been busy signing players and making trades in hopes of improving their rosters ahead of April’s college draft. Most of the highly valued free agents — including quarterbacks Drew Brees (re-signed with Saints), Kirk Cousins (signed with Vikings), and Case Keenum (signed with Broncos) — have already inked new deals for the 2018 NFL season.

According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Reid was the 20th best available player heading into the free agency period. Reid remains one of five players on that list who remain unsigned.

20. Eric Reid (Safety, 49ers)

18. Kyle Fuller (Cornerback, Bears)

8. Tyrann Mattieu (Safety, Cardinals)

7. Sheldon Richardson (Defensive Tackle, Seahawks)

6. Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Dolphins)

Follow Matt on Twitter