Most Likely Destinations for Eric Reid in NFL Free Agency

In a surprise move on Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers released safety Eric Reid. As a bright spot on a solid Panthers pass defense in 2019, coming off a new extension, Reid seemed to have found a perfect fit in Carolina prior to be released.

However, the 28-year-old safety now finds himself in need of a new team. Let's examine three likely landing spots for the LSU product.

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Carson Wentz drops back in the playoffs. / Steven Ryan/Getty Images

The Eagles just released star safety Malcom Jenkins, so they now have a hole at the position. Reid could come in and be a similar field general on the back end of their secondary, providing veteran leadership and high-level play to a defensive backfield that has already improved with the addition of Darius Slay.

2. Cleveland Browns

Myles Garrett headlines an otherwise talented Browns defense. / Jason Miller/Getty Images

Cleveland's pass defense ranked No. 17 in Football Outsiders' DVOA metric in 2019, so its clearly an area they could stand to improve. They already signed safety Karl Joseph, but adding Reid would really solidify that back end. They will most likely want an upgrade of Sheldrick Redwine and still have plenty of cap space to add someone like Reid, who will most likely come at a very reasonable price relative to his talent.

3. Dallas Cowboys

Jaylon Smith after a game in 2019. / Corey Perrine/Getty Images

The Cowboys ranked No. 23 in pass defense DVOA last season, and after losing Byron Jones to the Dolphins in free agency, that now jumps near the top of the list for needs in Dallas. With Donovan Wilson, who only had 2 tackles in 11 games in 2019, currently projected as a starter, Reid can fill a clear hole there. Reid could help captain that defense and add a respected presence to a defense filled with younger talent.

Get $20 FREE when you sign up for FanDuel Racing, plus we’ll match your first deposit in site credit up to $50!

David Kaestle is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, David also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username davekaestle. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.