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Free agent Eric Reid turns down practice squad spot with Washington Football Team

Free agent safety Eric Reid is still looking for a home in the league this season, though that won’t be with the Washington Football Team.

Reid was offered a spot on Washington’s practice squad this week, though declined their offer, according to the Associated Press’ Rob Maaddi.

“I just don’t think playing on the practice squad is reflective or indicative of my career,” Reid told the Associated Press.

“I’m just not in a place to play on the practice squad right now. If they go a different direction, I’ll be ready.”

Reid, who spent five years with the 49ers before a two-year stint in Carolina, recorded 130 total tackles last season with the Panthers — by far a career high. He also set the team’s all-time record for most tackles by a safety and most sacks by a safety with four.

The Panthers released him in March, just more than a year after reaching a contract extension with him. He is still without a job.

Colin Kaepernick: Reid is being blackballed

The reason for Reid’s unemployment, according to former teammate Colin Kaepernick, is the same reason he isn’t in the league anymore.

Reid, who played alongside Kaepernick in San Francisco, was the first person to kneel with him in protest during the national anthem — something that sparked outrage initially but has since become commonplace both in the NFL and in the sports world.

Both Reid and Kaepernick reached an undisclosed settlement with the NFL in February after filing grievances against the league.

Kaepernick took to social media last month to advocate for Reid, and thinks he, too, is being blackballed by team owners.

“While the NFL runs propaganda about how they care about Black Life, they are still actively blackballing Eric Reid for fighting for the Black community,” Kaepernick tweeted on Sept. 13. “Eric set two franchise records last year, and is one of the best defensive players in the league.”

Eric Reid of the Carolina Panthers
Free agent Eric Reid reportedly turned down a spot with the Washington practice squad. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

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