As April starts, and NFL free agency heads into its second month, one of the more contentious topics is the status of quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Plenty of respected pundits have made the case for why former 49ers quarterback hasn't been signed, but I believe NFL executives have let the media narrative shadowing Kaepernick since last season cloud their judgement; they have severely underestimated the positive elements Kap can bring to a football team.
Past success should not be overlooked. Kaepernick took over as a first-time starter midway through the 2012 season due to an Alex Smith concussion injury. He earned the right to keep the job and helped lead the team all the way to the Super Bowl. During the Harbaugh era, Kap had multiple road playoff victories, impressing in difficult circumstances, including wins in Green Bay, Atlanta, and Carolina. Though he struggled under a horrific offensive line (and awful head coach in Jim Tomsula) in 2015, Kaepernick has bounced back, and is coming off solid season with an excellent TD/INT ratio despite a lack of talented offensive playmakers.
Even if an executive doesn't think he is a quality starter any longer, it would be absurd to not consider him for a backup quarterback position. He would be far more competent than many others in the league. Players with far worse reputations on the field, like Geno Smith and Mike Glennon signed lucrative deals. Even Josh McCown got multiple years on his contract. These types of signings make the Kaepernick situation look rather curious. Pro-bowl cornerback Richard Sherman, who has experience playing against Kap in the 49ers-Seahawks rivalry, went as far as to suggest he is getting blackballed.
Another common argument against signing Kaepernick is the "distractions" narrative. But this isn't really about distractions, is it? Players with far more baggage get second chances. Joe Mixon, who was caught on tape assaulting a woman, will still be drafted. The Cowboys knowingly signed Greg Hardy, despite his horrific domestic violence incident and the incoming suspension he was about to receive. Saints head coach Sean Payton reportedly was considering signing Johnny Manziel and even met with him for breakfast during Super Bowl weekend. Even Tim Tebow, a walking paparazzi magnet with mediocre arm talent, got preseason opportunities with the Patriots and Eagles. Can Kaepernick really be more of a distraction than any of these players? His teammates certainly didn't think so. He has already decided to stop kneeling for the anthem. He is a tremendous member of the community off the field. If he is signed as a backup, he isn't likely to play, and therefore probably not someone who will warrant a lot of media attention after the first few weeks of the season.
Colin Kaepernick is not the distraction people would have you believe. He is a far better quarterback than some of his peers that have come off the board. He has proven he can play on the biggest stage. And his salary donations and actions off the field suggest he is a person with great character. So why does Colin Kaepernick deserve another shot in the NFL? The real question is why not?
Past success should not be overlooked. Kaepernick took over as a first-time starter midway through the 2012 season due to an Alex Smith concussion injury. He earned the right to keep the job and helped lead the team all the way to the Super Bowl. During the Harbaugh era, Kap had multiple road playoff victories, impressing in difficult circumstances, including wins in Green Bay, Atlanta, and Carolina. Though he struggled under a horrific offensive line (and awful head coach in Jim Tomsula) in 2015, Kaepernick has bounced back, and is coming off solid season with an excellent TD/INT ratio despite a lack of talented offensive playmakers.
Even if an executive doesn't think he is a quality starter any longer, it would be absurd to not consider him for a backup quarterback position. He would be far more competent than many others in the league. Players with far worse reputations on the field, like Geno Smith and Mike Glennon signed lucrative deals. Even Josh McCown got multiple years on his contract. These types of signings make the Kaepernick situation look rather curious. Pro-bowl cornerback Richard Sherman, who has experience playing against Kap in the 49ers-Seahawks rivalry, went as far as to suggest he is getting blackballed.
Another common argument against signing Kaepernick is the "distractions" narrative. But this isn't really about distractions, is it? Players with far more baggage get second chances. Joe Mixon, who was caught on tape assaulting a woman, will still be drafted. The Cowboys knowingly signed Greg Hardy, despite his horrific domestic violence incident and the incoming suspension he was about to receive. Saints head coach Sean Payton reportedly was considering signing Johnny Manziel and even met with him for breakfast during Super Bowl weekend. Even Tim Tebow, a walking paparazzi magnet with mediocre arm talent, got preseason opportunities with the Patriots and Eagles. Can Kaepernick really be more of a distraction than any of these players? His teammates certainly didn't think so. He has already decided to stop kneeling for the anthem. He is a tremendous member of the community off the field. If he is signed as a backup, he isn't likely to play, and therefore probably not someone who will warrant a lot of media attention after the first few weeks of the season.
Colin Kaepernick is not the distraction people would have you believe. He is a far better quarterback than some of his peers that have come off the board. He has proven he can play on the biggest stage. And his salary donations and actions off the field suggest he is a person with great character. So why does Colin Kaepernick deserve another shot in the NFL? The real question is why not?
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