49ers' Sherman: Eric Reid 'deserves' a big-money deal despite his anthem protests
Richard Sherman, the newest addition to the San Francisco 49ers, believes free-agent Eric Reid warrants a contract despite the safety's belief that teams are balking over his devotion to kneel in protest of the national anthem.
"We (the NFLPA) are concerned because he played at a high level for just about every year he's played, and he's made enough plays to be signed with a team and to make his money," Sherman said at his introductory press conference on Tuesday, according to Cam Inman of The Mercury News. "He deserves his money. I would think he's a top-five and top-10 safety in this league. He deserves to be paid accordingly."
Last week, Reid shared his thoughts on the matter, saying that general managers aren't the ones calling the shots and that owners are, ultimately, deciding his fate.
GMs aren’t the hold up broski. It’s ownership. People who know football know who can play. People who know me, know my character. https://t.co/M9ULziZg5V
— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) March 16, 2018
The notion that I can be a great signing for your team for cheap, not because of my skill set but because I’ve protested systemic oppression, is ludicrous. If you think is, then your mindset is part of the problem too.
— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) March 15, 2018
The 26-year-old, who has played his entire five-year career in San Francisco, appears to be more than deserving of a deal, if only factoring in his play. Last season, the defensive back earned an 81.4 grade, according to Pro Football Focus. This would rank him as above average at his position.
"There is concern there, because you'd think a player of his caliber and quality would be picked up now," Sherman added.
"Great teams are still looking for players and I'm praying he gets picked up. But if he doesn't, then I'd think there will be a conversation with the league office and the union, potentially."
Lamarcus Joyner (franchise tagged by the Rams for $11.29 million), Morgan Burnett (reported three-year, $14.5-million deal with the Steelers) and Tyrann Mathieu (one-year, $7-million deal with the Texans), are among the safeties to sign so far this offseason.