The Carolina Panthers announced Thursday that they have signed safety Eric Reid, the second player to kneel during the national anthem after Colin Kaepernick, to a one-year contract.

Reid, 26, became a free agent this offseason after five years with the San Francisco 49ers. He was the first player to protest during the national anthem alongside Kaepernick in 2016 — demonstrations that they and others have described as a means of protesting police brutality and racial inequality.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney told USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell that the team never asked Reid whether he will continue to protest.

“This was a football decision, signing a player who can help us win football games," Hurney said.

In an earlier statement announcing the moves, Hurney said Reid would bring vital help in the secondary after the unit was struck by injury.

"Eric has been a starting safety in the NFL and has played at a high level throughout his career," Hurney said in a statement. "After we put (starting 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."

Reid, like Kaepernick, has also filed a grievance against the NFL, alleging that league owners had colluded to keep him out of the NFL in the wake of his decision to protest. Mark Geragos, Reid’s lawyer, told USA TODAY Sports in a text message that Reid’s collusion case against the NFL would proceed.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills had cited Reid's availability as one of the reasons that he continues to kneel during the anthem. He said earlier this month that he would consider stopping if Reid and Kaepernick were signed.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Torrey Smith, who played alongside Kaepernick and Reid in San Francisco, had called on the Panthers to add Reid earlier this week after Searcy on IR.

"I think we all know why he hasn't received a call,'' Smith told reporters on Tuesday.

In a CNBC interview two weeks ago, new Panthers owner David Tepper defended players who protested during the anthem.

“These are some of the most patriotic people and best people,” Tepper said when asked about players who demonstrated. “These are great young men. So to say that (they aren't patriotic) makes me so aggravated and angry. It's just wrong, it's dead wrong.”

Reid started 69 games in five seasons with the 49ers, registering 264 tackles and 10 interceptions.

The Panthers have a bye this week, but Reid could make his season debut next Sunday against the New York Giants.

Contributing: Jarrett Bell, A.J. Perez

Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.