Football's most famous free agent, Colin Kaepernick could be on his way back to the NFL, as a number of teams are showing interest in the quarterback amid public demands for his return, according to a report by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
After three turbulent seasons off the field, Kaepernick could be making his return to the sport, a possibility sparked by the current political climate. With the NFL's seeming acceptance of the Black Lives Matter movement and the anthem protests that Kaepernick helped kick off, it appears teams are actively doing their research on the former 49ers quarterback.
Earlier this week, Michael Silver of the NFL Network reported that numerous teams are interested in Kap. Now, Mike Garogolo is corroborating these reports, noting that several teams are in the early stages of showing interest in possibly signing the player. In fact, some teams have begun talks with Kaepernick's inner circle.
"Teams are circling around here getting closer, I believe, certainly closer than they've been in recent years," Garafolo confirmed. "My understanding, at least to explain it from a team’s perspective, is they’re still doing their homework, still doing their research. When they get to the point where they’re confident enough that they think they can work out a contract, that’s when there’ll be direct communication with the agent. But for now … we all see more positive signs that Kaepernick could be back in the league soon."
Kaepernick has famously been out of the league since 2016, when he knelt during the national anthem before each game in protest of racist police brutality. Kap was subsequently blackballed by the NFL. However, with the subject of police brutality and racism resurfacing amid the national uproar over the murder of George Floyd, it seems the NFL is changing its tune.
Speaking to ESPN earlier this month, league commissioner Roger Goodell admitted he was "wrong" for not listening to players' protests and "encouraged" teams to sign Kap.
It remains to be seen whether Kaepernick will indeed make a return to the league. Stay tuned for updates.
