Colin Kaepernick Reportedly Getting Interest From Several NFL Teams
Colin Kaepernick is reportedly drawing interest from several NFL teams, per CBS Sports. During an appearance on the NFL Network, NFL insider Michael Silver said there at least one coach who is said to be “very interested” in signing the quarterback for the 2020 season.
Kaepernick hasn’t stepped on an NFL field in three seasons. During his final season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, he began kneeling during the national anthem as a form of protest. While some critics claimed the action was disrespectful to the flag, Kaepernick said it had nothing to do with the flag itself and was instead a statement on social injustices against people of color. The quarterback became a free agent after the season and has yet to sign a contract with any NFL team since.
The George Floyd and Black Lives Matter protests around the country have changed the view of the NFL when it comes to Kaepernick, and there are now rumors of several teams giving him a shot. The CBS Sports report claims the reason he hasn’t already been signed isn’t related to his previous protests. While ownership of the team that signs would Kaepernick would have to approve signing a player who would likely continue kneeling during the anthem, the demonstration isn’t considered a deal-breaker anymore.
The reason Kaepernick reportedly doesn’t yet have a contract is reportedly the same reason several other high-profile free agents are also still looking for new teams. Cam Newton and Jadeveon Clowney are both still available because organizations want to put them through workouts under the watchful eye of coaches and front office personnel. So far, the coronavirus pandemic has made that almost impossible. Teams want to get a look at Clowney and Newton because they are coming off seasons where they suffered various injuries. Silver said reservations surrounding Kaepernick reportedly have more to do with rust.
“Just from a football perspective, forget about the other overtones, the political landscape — just from a football perspective, most head coaches and offensive coordinators and teams would want to get that comfort zone of putting Kaepernick through their own workout… That cannot happen right now (because of the pandemic).”
This means that the quarterback could get a legitimate shot to play for an NFL team this season, but it’s expected to be closer to the start of training camp. Rising COVID-19 infection rates could also add further delays, with the forthcoming training camp and 2020 season likely to be drastically different from most years.
