At least five NFL teams–maybe more–could benefit from having Kaepernick under center or available as a back-up.
The question of whether Colin Kaepernick could still play quarterback at the NFL level was never a question–at least not for this analyst. Just about every owner, GM, coach, and most players know Kaepernick can still play ball.
Courtesy: FiveThirtyEight
But after “The Year of the Kneel’ (2016), Colin had nowhere to play. The League quit on him, and Kaepernick didn’t mince words when he called out NFL teams for colluding to keep him off the field.
That call-out turned into a lawsuit. A settlement, which includes a confidentiality agreement, was settled this week and announced to the public on Friday. Eric Reid, who’s currently under contract with the Carolina Panthers, joined Kaepernick in the suit.
Kaepernick, now 31 years old, hasn’t suited up in two years. Word is he has been staying in shape and practicing on his skill-set — just in case the phone rings.
And Kap still wants to play. His asking price was $20 million for suiting up with the new Alliance of American Football (AAF). That lets you know where his head is at!
The crazy thing about the situation is that Kaepernick’s skill-set would seem to be just what the doctor ordered for any number of NFL squads–either as a starter or a back-up. The bottleneck? Owners seem steadfast in keeping Kaepernick out of the NFL.
So what about the Baltimore Ravens?
With Joe Flacco’s departure to Denver, wouldn’t Baltimore benefit from Kaepernick’s services? Lamar Jackson is at the helm–a player who’s playing style makes him injury-prone.
And a slew of other teams could also use a quarterback like Kaepernick, including Jacksonville, Miami, Cincinnati, Washington, and perhaps Tampa Bay. Whether it’s as a starter, competing for the starting job, or coming in as a backup, Kaepernick could help any of those teams … and probably a few more.
Yeah, I know. Many fans don’t agree with what Kaepernick did–and continues to do–regarding racial equality. It rubs people the wrong way. But what he did (and is doing) is eminently American (speaking out)–and it’s very different from actions that have kept other players from getting a second chance (e.g., sexual assault).
The bottom line for me is simple: Colin Kaepernick is good enough to play NFL football.
Somebody with clout needs to step forward and make it happen. Ray Lewis could be just that person.
In life, we all need a helping hand. Ray Lewis has an especially big one. He should use it on Kaepernick’s behalf.
