CHARLOTTE – Safety Eric Reid has signed a three-year contract to remain with the Panthers through 2021.
Reid was set to become an unrestricted free agent after completing his first season with Carolina. He signed with the team in Week 4 and immediately became a starter, finishing the year with 71 tackles, five passes defensed and one interception in 13 games.
"I feel comfortable here. I was excited just to get (the deal) done," Reid said. "I fit well into this defense."
Reid was originally a first-round pick of San Francisco in 2013. He earned Pro Bowl honors as a rookie after posting four interceptions, still a career high. Reid spent five seasons with the 49ers before joining the Panthers during the 2018 season.
"We always knew he was a solid football player," head coach Ron Rivera said during the season, "and he showed it to us."
Extending the 27-year-old Reid solidifies one of the safety spots, but it's not yet clear who will start alongside him in 2019. Veteran Mike Adams, the starter for the past two seasons, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Rashaan Gaulden, a third-round draft choice a year ago, played sparingly throughout his rookie season and could be in line for more playing time.
Veteran Da'Norris Searcy, who is under contract through 2019, started the first two games of the 2018 season before suffering a concussion that landed him on injured reserve.
View the top photos of Eric Reid from his 2018 season with the Panthers.
Eric Reid stares down the opponent during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
Eric Reid during a game against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
Eric Reid during the game against Washington on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 at FedEx Field in Landover, MD.
Eric Reid makes a tackle on Michael Thomas during a game against the Saints on Monday Night Football on Monday, December 17, 2018.
Eric Reid smiles while walking off the field against the Saints on Monday Night Football on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.
Eric Reid, Donte Jackson and Mike Adams make a tackle against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
Cleveland's Jarvis Landry catches a touchdown pass while being defended by Eric Reid during a game against the Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, December 9, 2018.
Eric Reid makes a tackle against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday, December 30, 2018.
Eric Reid and Mario Addison make a tackle against the Saints on Monday Night Football on Monday, December 17, 2018.
Eric Reid makes a tackle during the game against the Steelers on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
Eric Reid pushes Adam Humphries out of bounds during a game against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
Eric Reid, Captain Munnerlyn and Luke Kuechly tackle Julio Jones during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 23, 2018.
Eric Reid makes a tackle against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday, November 18, 2018.
Thomas Davis and Eric Reid celebrate a defensive stop against the Saints on Monday Night Football on Monday, December 17, 2018.
Eric Reid tries to bring down Tevin Coleman during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 23, 2018.
Eric Reid stares intensely during the National Anthem before the game against the Steelers on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
Eric Reid looks toward the sideline against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 25, 2018.
Eric Reid puts his fist in the air as he walks to the locker room after the Panthers beat the Giants on Sun., Dec. 7, 2018.
Mario Addison and Eric Reid celebrate a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.
Eric Reid and Donte Jackson celebrate an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.
Eric Reid is introduced before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 25, 2018.
Eric Reid and Mike Adams chase down Kerryon Johnson during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday, November 18, 2018.
Eric Reid comforts families of fallen soldiers being recognized during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.
Eric Reid makes a tackle during the game against Washington on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 at FedEx Field in Landover, MD.
Bryan Cox Jr. and Eric Reid celebrates a defensive stop during a week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018.
Eric Reid keeps his eyes on Alvin Kamara during a game against the Saints on Monday Night Football on Monday, December 17, 2018.
