Panthers sign safety Eric Reid, known for kneeling during national anthem

CHARLOTTE, NC (FOX 46 WJZY) - Carolina Panthers announced Thursday that they've signed free agent safety Eric Reid to a one-year contract with the team.

Reid, 6-1 and 215 pounds, played the first five seasons of his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers after being selected by the team in the first round (18th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.

"Eric has been a starting safety in the NFL and has played at a high level throughout his career," general manager Marty Hurney said in a written statement, released by the Panthers. "After we put (safety) Da'Norris Searcy on injured reserve, Ron (Rivera) and I discussed our options, and Eric was at the top of our list. He is a physical safety with good ball skills and play-making ability."

Last season, Reid started 12 of 13 games played, registering 66 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery.

For his career, Reid has started 69 of 70 regular season games played, tallying 375 tackles, 10 interceptions, 34 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.