The NFL could certainly find room for quarterback Colin Kaepernick on a depth chart, but will he find a way onto one of them?
Colin Kaepernick hasn’t given up.
Despite not playing in the NFL over the last five seasons since famously kneeling during the national anthem in 2017, Kaepernick hasn’t called it a career. In fact, the 34-year-old has stayed in shape and even threw at Michigan’s spring game this weekend, in hopes of drawing interest at the highest level.
Afterwards, he spoke to Jeanna Trotman of WXYZ Detroit and made his case, via NFL.com:
“I can help make you a better team, I can help you win games. I know right now the situation likely won’t allow me to come in, step into a starting role. I know I’ll be able to work my way to that though and show that very quickly.
“So to the teams that have questions, more than anything I would say I’d love to come in for a workout. I’d love to sit down with you and have that conversation about how I could help you be a better team.”
Ultimately, it’s a long-shot for Kaepernick to reach the NFL again. He’s at an advanced age and teams will wonder whether he can still play at a reasonable level after missing the last half-decade. Although he’s undoubtedly more talented than a slew of backups around the league, will he be deemed a distraction? Fair or not, it’s going to be asked in any front office discussing his signing.
Frankly, Kaepernick should have been back in the NFL long ago if we’re talking about football-based merit. Regardless of political stance or opinion on his actions, Kaepernick was at his best a quarterback able to get the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl, and at worst a replacement-level starter with athleticism and arm strength for days.
However, the fact is he hasn’t been back, and the reasons are clear. Some owners don’t believe he’s worth the public relations headache, while others don’t need him because their quarterback situation is already solid.
While it would make for another fascinating subplot going into the 2022 season, Kaepernick’s return is unlikely at best. If someone does give him an opportunity, though, he’ll be in the limelight with a chance to show what the NFL has been missing out on all these years.
