Baltimore Ravens have had direct discussions with Colin Kaepernick
By Joe Schiller
In lieu of Joe Flacco’s injury and the lack of depth at the quarterback position, the Baltimore Ravens have been linked to free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The team has reportedly been in direct discussion with him.
It seems once the Baltimore Ravens were linked to Colin Kaepernick, the news hasn’t stopped.
The free agent quarterback has been the hot topic this offseason and still hasn’t been signed to an NFL team. With Joe Flacco injuring his back last week and Ryan Mallett struggling in training camp, there have been talks about bringing Kaepernick in.
Ahead of their first open practice at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens held a fan forum with NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell and over 100+ PSL owners. Attending the forum was owner Steve Bisciotti, team president Dick Cass, general manager Ozzie Newsome, along with some current and former players.
Cass spoke on the Kaepernick topic and said that the Ravens have had “direct discussions” with him.
Ravens president Dick Cass said team has had direct discussions with Colin Kaepernick. Says Colin wants to play. Ravens weighing decision
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) July 30, 2017
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Bischiotti also responded to questions about Kaepernick. He said he’s “spoken to current and former players” including Ray Lewis.
The team has also reportedly reached out to fans and sponsors about the potential signing.
Bisciotti asked by fan about bringing in Kap and potentially "damaging your brand." Bisciotti says he's spoken to current and former players
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) July 30, 2017
Cass said team is reaching out to fans and sponsors about Kap decision.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) July 30, 2017
It’s clear both sides have interest and a potential signing could be in the works.
The bottom line
There are a lot of different factors that go into this decision, including money. The Ravens don’t have a ton of cap space and would probably need to clear up some cap space to bring Kaepernick in. A veteran minimum would be ideal, but there’s no guarantee Kaepernick would take it.
With Flacco out, the Ravens have three quarterbacks on the roster. Mallett is the backup along with Dustin Vaughn and recently signed free agent David Olson. The Ravens resigned Mallett this offseason but Vaughn is a long shot to make the roster and Olson is strictly a camp arm.
The offense has struggled to start camp and adding an experienced arm would help. Kaepernick has the experience and has thrown for over 12,000 yards and 70 touchdowns in his career. Not to mention, the Ravens saw what he could in Super Bowl XLVII.
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The political baggage is there, but from a football standpoint, this wouldn’t be a bad move. With how many players who have gotten injured already this offseason, it never hurts to have depth.