Eric Reid follows Colin Kaepernick, files collusion grievance versus NFL

Free agent safety Eric Reid has followed in the footsteps of former teammate Colin Kaepernick in filing a collusion grievance against the NFL, multiple media outlets reported on Wednesday.

Mark Geragos, the same attorney who represented Kaepernick in his collusion case against the league, filed the complaint on Wednesday morning.

"Our union is aware that Eric Reid and his legal representatives filed a collusion claim, which will be heard through the arbitration process as spelled out in our Collective Bargaining Agreement," the NFL Players Association said. "Our union supports Eric and we are considering other legal options to pursue."

Kaepernick filed a similar grievance against the NFL in October, claiming that the league and its owners colluded to "deprive Mr. Kaepernick of employment rights in retaliation for Mr. Kaepernick's leadership and advocacy for equality and social justice and his bringing awareness to peculiar institutions still undermining racial equality in the United States."

Reid claimed at the beginning of the offseason that he wasn't receiving interest from teams due to his decision to kneel during the national anthem. The 26-year-old was the first player to kneel alongside Kaepernick during the duo's time with the San Francisco 49ers.

"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 it, then your mindset is part of the problem too," Reid tweeted.

Reid's lone visit in free agency was with the Cincinnati Bengals. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that Mike Brown asked Reid for his reaction after being told that the Bengals owner plans to prohibit kneeling during the national anthem for the 2018 season.

A Pro Bowl selection in 2013, Reid has been a starter in each of his five NFL seasons.

Reid started 12 of the 13 games he played for the 49ers in 2017, when he had two interceptions, four passes defensed, one fumble recovery and 66 tackles. He has 10 interceptions, 34 passes defended, one sack and 318 tackles in his career.