Colin Kaepernick - Pro Football Rumors

Latest On Colin Kaepernick’s NFL Workout

November 14th, 2019 at 7:16pm CST by Zachary Links

On Thursday, the NFL confirmed eleven teams that will attend Colin Kaepernick‘s weekend workout. The Broncos, Browns, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Dolphins, Falcons, Giants, Jets, Lions, Patriots, and Redskins will all have representatives in Atlanta to scout the quarterback, but many more teams are expected to take part.

Kaepernick’s old friends, the 49ers, will be on hand, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports hears. Ditto for the Seahawks, the only organization to audition Kaepernick since he became a free agent (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Brady Henderson).

It would be a shock to see Kaepernick reunite with the 49ers, but stranger things have happened in sports. At minimum, they’re willing to take a look at Kaep to see what kind of shape he is in after a long hiatus from football. It’s worth noting that the Niners did not consider Kaepernick last season when Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a season-ending knee injury. Instead, they tried out the likes of Tom Savage, Kellen Clemens, and T.J. Yates.

The NFL still hasn’t disclosed why they’ve decided to hold this one-man combine for Kaepernick, nor have they explained the reasoning behind the timing. It has been speculated that the league office set up the audition in response to interest from NFL clubs, though those mystery teams are reportedly eyeing Kaepernick as an potential 2020 pickup rather than for the current season.

Latest On Colin Kaepernick’s Upcoming Workout

November 14th, 2019 at 9:31am CST by Dallas Robinson

The NFL will stage a workout for free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick on Saturday, and — as could have been expected — the event has already become something of a spectacle. We’ve since learned that Kaepernick himself didn’t even know about the audition until the league informed him of it earlier this week, while the NFL is unwilling to budge on date, time, or location.

Here’s more on Kaepernick’s upcoming tryout:

The league originally contacted Kaepernick and his camp on Tuesday morning, and subsequently sent out a memo regarding the workout to all NFL teams on Tuesday night, per Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com (Twitter thread). Because the NFL wanted to hold the workout at a team facility, a Saturday after a club had left for a road game presented the best option.
The audition is reportedly largely in response to teams reaching out to the league with interest in Kaepernick, according to Breer. While it may seem odd that clubs didn’t simply contact Kaepernick or his agents, Breer does offer one possible explanation: Kaepernick’s talks with the Seahawks and Ravens — both of whom expressed interest in recent years — ended poorly, so clubs could be “skittish” about negotiating with him.
While a late-season workout is certainly curious, it may create a chance for Kaepernick to have a six-week audition with a team with an eye towards 2020, per Breer. Moreover, teams that don’t have a spot for Kaepernick at the moment will at least be able to gather more info on him for a possible 2020 signing.
There is confusion as to whether the NFL promised to provide a list of attendees at the workout, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Some sources have told Schefter that Kaepernick was promised such a list, but the league is saying no indication to that effect was ever given.
The actual substance of the workout is still unknown as well, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports. As of Wednesday night, it was unclear what Kaepernick will actually be doing throwing-wise at the audition, and the quarterback isn’t aware of who he will be throwing to.

Latest On Colin Kaepernick’s Workout

November 13th, 2019 at 6:02pm CST by Dallas Robinson

After initially indicating it would release a list of personnel executives who attend Colin Kaepernick‘s upcoming Saturday workout, the NFL has now reversed course and will not do so, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter links). Additionally, a number of teams have contact Kaepernick’s to preemptively apologize for not being in attendance this weekend, noting they were confused by the timing of the workout.

NFL executives weren’t the only ones caught off guard by the planned audition — Kaepernick himself didn’t even know about the workout until the league informed him of it, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes. The NFL hasn’t given any indication as to why it’s holding a tryout for Kaepernick at this time, but the league wouldn’t budge on a date, time, or what will happen at the workout.

The workout may be in response to teams contacting the league with interest in Kaepernick, as Steve Wyche of NFL.com reports. Most of said clubs are actually eyeing a Kaepernick signing for the 2020 campaign, per Wyche, not for the current season.

Most teams figure to send scouts or lower-level executives to see Kaepernick, not general managers or head coaches, according to Michael Silver of NFL.com (Twitter link). Most GMs and head coaches are occupied on Saturdays, so a workout on, say, a Tuesday may have made more sense.

Broncos, Dolphins To Attend Colin Kaepernick Workout

November 13th, 2019 at 2:33pm CST by Zachary Links

When Colin Kaepernick works out for NFL teams on Saturday in Atlanta, the Dolphins and Broncos will be among the teams in attendance (Twitter links via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com and Mike Klis of 9News). The Cowboys and many other clubs are expected to attend the audition, which is open to all 32 clubs.

The Dolphins’ interest in Kaepernick makes plenty of sense, given their uncertainty at the quarterback position for 2020 and beyond. It seems unlikely that anything could stop the Dolphins from selecting a quarterback high in the 2020 draft, but Kaep could be an intriguing option to consider.

The Broncos could also use a QB, though their interest in Kaepernick is puzzling, given the history between him and GM John Elway. The Broncos attempted to trade for Kaepernick in 2016, but the deal fell apart when Kaepernick declined the Broncos’ proposed pay cut. When asked about the near deal in 2018, Elway seemed to close the door the former 49ers star.

“He had his chance to be here,” Elway said. He passed it.”

After that, Kaepernick’s attorney Mark Geragos alleged that Elway violated the gag order issued in Kaepernick‘s collusion case with his comments.

“Mr. Elway, clearly he violated the protective order that the NFL has been wielding like a club at me,” Geragos said on his podcast. “And he’s apparently suffering from some real brain trauma.”

Now, in 2019, the Broncos are at least curious enough to send a scout to watch Kaepernick.

Latest On Colin Kaepernick’s NFL Workout

November 13th, 2019 at 8:31am CST by Zachary Links

Yesterday, we learned that Colin Kaepernick is set to work out for NFL teams at the Falcons’ facility. Today, we have more details on the surprise audition, via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter).

On Saturday, Kaepernick’s workout will have something of a draft combine feel. He’ll get started at 3pm ET, interview at 3:15pm ET, and take measurements and warmup afterwards. He’ll be timed and tested at 3:50 and conduct quarterback drills at 4:15, with all parts being recorded for distribution to all 32 NFL teams.

Since becoming a free agent, Kaepernick has only received a workout invitation from one team — the Seahawks — and that was in the summer of 2017. Later on, the Seahawks cancelled a 2018 visit with the polarizing QB. The passer’s camp also spoke to both the Alliance of American Football and the XFL. In each instance, his camp reportedly asked for a $20MM salary, consistent with the middle tier of signal callers in the NFL.

Several clubs have reportedly inquired about Kaepernick’s football readiness and Kaep’s camp says he’s been “working out five days a week, for three years, in preparation to play again,” per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

An exec from one NFC team says they have “nothing to lose” by attending the workout (Twitter link via ESPN’s Josina Anderson). The full list of attending teams is not yet known, but the Cowboys will be among them, Anderson hears (Twitter link).

Colin Kaepernick Holding Private Workout

November 12th, 2019 at 6:27pm CST by Ben Levine

Colin Kaepernick is back on the NFL radar. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the quarterback’s camp has invited NFL teams to attend a private workout on Saturday. The audition will include an interview and on-field work, and videos of the session will be made available to any inquiring teams. The session will be closed to the media and the public, writes Mark Maske of the Washington Post.

“Earlier this year, we discussed some possible steps with his representatives and they recently emphasized his level of preparation and that he is ready to work out for clubs and be interviewed by them,” the memo stated. “We have therefore arranged this opportunity for him to work out, and for all clubs to have the opportunity to evaluate his current readiness and level of interest in resuming his NFL career.”

While Schefter’s report doesn’t definitively connect any specific teams to Kaepernick, he does note that “[s]everal clubs have inquired about Kaepernick’s current football readiness.” Further, the quarterback’s camp has continually expressed interest in an NFL reunion. His representatives recently stated that the 32-year-old has been “working out five days a week, for three years, in preparation to play again.”

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero adds a bit more info (via Twitter), noting that the NFL worked with Kaepernick’s camp as they planned the workout. There were actually a pair of memos announcing the session; commissioner Roger Goodell sent one memo to chief executives and team presidents while the NFL Player Personnel Department sent a memo to general managers, head coaches, and personnel directors. Pelissero adds that the workout will take place at the Falcons’ facility in Georgia and will be run by National Football Scouting, the company that runs the NFL Combine.

“I’m just getting word from my representatives that the NFL league office reached out to them about a workout in Atlanta on Saturday,” Kaepernick tweeted. “I’ve been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday.”

Schefter follows up Kaepernick’s tweet by pointing out that the NFL didn’t inform the quarterback’s camp of the impending workout until this morning. The player’s representatives wanted the workout to take place on a Tuesday, and they later asked that the session be scheduled to a later Saturday – the NFL denied both requests. Schefter also tweets that Kaepernick’s camp is expecting a list of NFL teams that will be in attendance for the workout.

While Kaepernick has been mentioned in connection with numerous jobs since his 49ers stay ended in 2017, he has continually been passed over. The NFL settled grievances from Kaepernick and Eric Reid earlier this year, lending some credence to the players’ case they were avoided as free agents due to their decisions to kneel during the playing of the national anthem before 49ers games.

Since becoming a free agent, Kaepernick has only received a workout invitation from one team — the Seahawks — and that was in the summer of 2017. The Seahawks cancelled a 2018 Kaepernick visit. The passer’s camp also spoke to both the Alliance of American Football and the XFL. In each instance, a $20MM salary demand surfaced.

Kaepernick, Reid Settled For ~$10MM

March 21st, 2019 at 2:03pm CST by Zachary Links

In February, the NFL reached a settlement with Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid to put their collusion grievances to bed. All sides were sworn to a non-disclosure agreement with regards to the particulars, but Andrew Beaton of the Wall Street Journal hears that the two former 49ers settled for less than $10MM.

In the immediate aftermath of the settlement, many speculated that Kaepernick and Reid could have collected tens of millions of dollars. Ultimately, they received a much more modest sum, one that does not amount to much when factoring for taxes and legal expenses.

Kaepernick and Reid accused NFL teams of colluding in order to keep them out of work. Reid eventually found a home with the Panthers in 2018, but Kaepernick has been out of football since the 2016 season.

The deal may not be a precursor to Kaepernick’s NFL return. Recently, the QB’s lawyer predicted that Kaepernick could be nearing a contract, but nothing has come to fruition over the last month. Meanwhile, Kaep reportedly wants $20MM to play in the AAF and we’ve heard nothing about his talks with the XFL since word of those negotiations broke three weeks ago.

Kaepernick Interested In Dolphins’ QB Job

March 15th, 2019 at 4:37pm CST by Sam Robinson

Both Tyrod Taylor and Teddy Bridgewater were linked to the Dolphins this week, with the latter being brought in for a visit. Each agreed to be backups elsewhere, Taylor in Los Angeles and Bridgewater in New Orleans.

The Dolphins also traded Ryan Tannehill to the Titans on Friday. No team has less at quarterback presently. The Dolphins have been connected to a strategy of pursuing 2020 quarterback prospects, perhaps leading to Taylor and Bridgewater signing elsewhere. But Colin Kaepernick is interested in the position, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (via Twitter).

This comes after the passer’s camp spoke to both the Alliance of American Football and the XFL. In each instance, a $20MM salary demand surfaced. Kaepernick would not get that with the Dolphins, who have not shown interest in the long-unattached quarterback, but La Canfora notes the 31-year-old free agent continues to train and would be “ready to play” if the team contacted him.

While Kaepernick has been mentioned in connection with numerous jobs since his 49ers stay ended in 2017, he has continually been passed over. The NFL settled grievances from Kaepernick and Eric Reid earlier this year, lending some credence to the players’ case they were avoided as free agents due to their decisions to kneel during the playing of the national anthem before 49ers games.

Since becoming a free agent, Kaepernick has only received a workout invitation from one team — the Seahawks — and that was in the summer of 2017. The Seahawks cancelled a 2018 Kaepernick visit. Reports have surfaced of the former Super Bowl starter working out independently, but nothing has transpired regarding a possible return to the NFL.

The Dolphins’ current quarterback contingent consists of Luke Falk and Jake Rudock. They have combined for five regular-season pass attempts (from Rudock in Detroit). Other options for veteran help include Ryan Fitzpatrick, Blake Bortles, Josh McCown, Geno Smith and Brock Osweiler. None are as accomplished as Kaepernick, but given what has occurred on this front over the past two years, it would certainly be a surprise if the Dolphins went in this direction.

XFL, Colin Kaepernick In Discussions?

February 25th, 2019 at 6:22pm CST by Sam Robinson

Colin Kaepernick is now connected to a third league. On the heels of an unspecified settlement with the NFL, the former 49ers quarterback is in discussions with the XFL, a league spokesman confirmed to Sporting News’ Michael McCarthy.

The 31-year-old passer, who has not played since the 2016 NFL season finale, was in talks with the Alliance of American Football as well.

A report indicated a Kaepernick-AAF relationship was scuttled by the quarterback’s salary demands. Kaepernick was believed to be seeking $20MM to play in the AAF, and McCarthy reports the same figure has surfaced in the XFL talks. Kaepernick, per McCarthy, is targeting $20MM to suit up in the XFL, which is set to respawn in 2020.

With the XFL salaries set to compare to the AAF’s, which has given non-guaranteed, three-year deals worth $250K, Kaepernick’s alleged demand would seemingly be a non-starter here as well. However, the XFL is planning to pay stars “a lot” more.

While anything in the neighborhood of $20MM may even escape the parameters of “a lot”, with McCarthy reporting the Vince McMahon-run operation is eyeing $250K-per-year salaries for starting quarterbacks, the XFL aligning with Kaepernick would obviously put it in position to strongly compete with the AAF and potentially capture interest of a sect of football fans turned off by the former Super Bowl starter’s inability to land an NFL job.

If nothing transpires on the Kaepernick-XFL front, the new league would be in position to woo better quarterback talent compared to the AAF — if, in fact, it can pay $250K salaries to starting QBs.

The word coming out of Kaepernick’s camp has consistently pointed to the passer wanting to continue his career. He has been linked to several NFL jobs, following injuries to starting quarterbacks, but nothing, obviously, led to another opportunity. Kaepernick’s attorney predicted his client would be on an NFL roster soon, even throwing out the Panthers and Patriots as possible landing spots.

Extra Points: Giants, OBJ, Kaep, Murray

February 21st, 2019 at 2:26pm CST by Zachary Links

Will the Giants trade Odell Beckham. Jr. this offseason? Speculation is mounting, and Mike Florio of PFT adds fuel to the fire by suggesting that OBJ and the 49ers could be a match.

The Niners have the No. 2 and No. 36 overall picks in the draft, giving them ample ammo to land one of the game’s most dynamic receivers. An outright swap of the No. 2 pick for OBJ may be too high of a price for the 49ers to pay, but Florio suggests that the Giants could send back a third- or fourth-round pick to balance things out.

Florio also wonders if the already star-studded Rams could reignite their OBJ pursuit. Brandin Cooks seems to have the WR1 position covered, but they could theoretically put together a package with draft capital and a receiver like Robert Woods to make a strong offer.

While you ponder those OBJ possibilities, here’s more from around the NFL:

Now that Colin Kaepernick‘s collusion grievance has been settled, the door may be open for the quarterback to return to the NFL. With that in mind, the beat writers of The Athletic ran down potential fits with each of the league’s 32 teams. The entire piece is worth a read, though there is a common refrain – Kaep may be a fit for several teams, but PR issues would ultimately 86 the chance of deals in most cases. The Seahawks, who previously explored a Kaepernick signing, may be among the most likely landing spots for the polarizing QB.
Oklahoma quarterback and dual-sport star Kyler Murray is training for the Scouting Combine, but he is unsure about whether he will throw in Indianapolis, as Clarence Hill of the Star Telegram tweets. Murray, presumably, will run the 40-yard dash, and he says he posted an impressive 4.3-second time when he last tried it in 2016. Teams will also be eager to measure the QB. An Oklahoma official recently claimed that Murray comes in at just 5’9″ and 7/8 inches in socks.
The Steelers might not get all that much for Antonio Brown in a trade, some NFL execs say.