Colin Kaepernick has not played an NFL snap in nearly five years. Ever since he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racism against Black Americans, it seems as if he’s been blacklisted from the league.
However, that hasn’t stopped fans from wondering if each season will finally be the one where a team signs him.
At 33 years old, the likelihood of an NFL return diminishes each season. It’s hard enough when a player misses a season or two because of an injury, but Colin Kaepernick hasn’t played in an NFL game since the 2016 NFL Season.
Which Team Will Colin Kaepernick Play For Week 1 of the 2021 NFL Season?
Odds via Bovada as of Wednesday, March 24
- Not on an NFL roster by Week 1 -9000
- Baltimore Ravens +850
- Houston Texans +1000
- Seattle Seahawks +1500
- Kansas City Chiefs +1800
- Jacksonville Jaguars +1800
- Philadelphia Eagles +1800
Colin Kaepernick Probably Won’t Be on a Team by Week 1
Colin Kaepernick had his best season in 2014 when he threw for 3,369 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also added 639 rushing yards and a touchdown that season. To see talent like that going to waste is a shame all because Kaepernick fought for what he believed in.
The truth is that there are multiple factors why no one has signed Kaepernick yet. On one hand, some teams are afraid that signing Kaepernick would be a “distraction” because of the conversation surrounding him over the last few years.
On the other hand, as mentioned multiple times, no one has seen him in NFL action in nearly five years. Maybe it wouldn’t be a huge risk to sign him as a backup or third-string quarterback, but not many teams would sign him as a starter.
Could Baltimore Make a Play for Kaepernick?
The team with the best odds to sign Colin Kaepernick happens to be the Baltimore Ravens at +850. The former NFL quarterback has connections to the city, as he’s held a “Know Your Rights Camp” event in Baltimore back in 2019.
It was also rumored that the Ravens were going to sign Colin Kaepernick back in 2017. Although, according to Ravens legend Ray Lewis, the team stopped due to a tweet from the quarterback’s girlfriend, Nessa Diab.
Diab tweeted a picture of Lewis with Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti alongside a scene from Django Unchained. In the scene, Samuel L. Jackson plays a slave tending to his owner (Leonardo DiCaprio) who was just shot. Lewis went on to say the team was close to signing him until the tweet was made.
Texans, Seahawks in the Mix
The Houston Texans (+1000) and Seattle Seahawks (+1500) both have the next best odds of signing Colin Kaepernick should he play this NFL season.
The Texans already reached out to Kaepernick in 2017 when Deshaun Watson went down with an injury. However, nothing came to fruition. Now, Watson’s future is uncertain as he faces sexual assault accusations. While the team did sign Tyrod Taylor this offseason to be the backup, Kaepernick could serve as another option should Watson miss time and if Taylor doesn’t play well.
The Seahawks are another team that kicked the can around Colin Kaepernick in 2017. According to Bleacher Report, the two sides couldn’t agree on a deal because of money. Last year, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told the Seattle Times that he “regretted” not getting the quarterback on the roster.
“I wish we could have figured that out knowing what we know now, and given him the chance because I would love to see him play for all those years,” Carroll said.
