The NFL world received some major news on Wednesday when it was announced that former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick worked out for the Las Vegas Raiders. Kaepernick, who hasn't had a workout for five years after being shunned by the league for his protests of police brutality, could be staring at his most realistic NFL chance in quite some time.
Plus, the Raiders, who have been a progressive organization in the past, make sense as a destination for Kaepernick in the 2022 NFL season. There's a definite need on the depth chart behind starter Derek Carr as well, with the likes of Nick Mullens and Jarred Stidham as backups.
Kaepernick, who has been working out to stay in football shape, seems fine with the idea of being a backup quarterback. There's definite interest between the dual-threat signal-caller and the Raiders.
Here's why they must sign Kaepernick.
2 Reasons Why Raiders Must Sign Colin Kaepernick
2. Kaepernick is a good fit for the Raiders
During Kaepernick's best season with the 49ers in 2013, the assistant to head coach Jim Harbaugh was none other than current Raiders offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi.
While Lombardi may not have been calling the plays for Kaepernick, he is certainly familiar with his playing style and strengths. It's clear that the coaching staff that year got the most out of Kaepernick, who threw for 21 touchdowns while running for over 500 yards. He helped lead San Francisco to 12 wins and a Super Bowl berth.
With the Raiders, Kaepernick not only would have familiarity with coaching staff, but also the benefit of fitting in the system. Las Vegas' backup to Derek Carr for the past few seasons has been Marcus Mariota, whose strengths are similar to those of Kaepernick's.
Back in 2012, the Raiders started the mobile Terrelle Pryor at quarterback. It's clear that they value mobility at the position, at least to some degree.
Kaepernick, who has ran for 2300 yards 13 scores in six career seasons in the NFL, would certainly bring that element to the quarterback room behind Carr in the 2022 NFL season.
1. Kaepernick has earned his chance
Like him or not- and there are certainly strong voices on both sides, it's hard to deny that Kaepernick has earned another opportunity in the NFL.
From the vitriol he faced to the collusion case he filed against the league, Kaepernick has never stopped fighting for what he believes in. Through it all, the man has never stopped working out and holding onto that dream of being a starter in the NFL again.
It's a quality that has endeared him to many, especially to Raiders owner Mark Davis, who said that he “believes in” the former 49ers star and would “welcome him with open arms.”
If that's the case, then Davis needs to put his money where his mouth is and sign Kaepernick.
He has earned that much.
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