Colin Kaepernick is considering a sensational return to the NFL and the former 49ers quarterback has contacted the New York Jets to replace Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers’ long-awaited debut with the Jets lasted just four snaps before he tore his Achilles tendon, ruling the 39-year-old out for the entire season.
Now, according to Jordan SchultzKaepernick’s agent reached out to the Jets, emphasizing the 35-year-old’s desire to return.
Kaepernick has been without a team since 2016, when he sparked a national debate over free speech by protesting racist police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem before games.
Kaepernick was then benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert in 2015 before finally regaining the starting job in 2016, but the 49ers went just 1-10 with him under center.
Colin Kaepernick’s agent contacted the New York Jets about replacing Aaron Rodgers
He gave up his contacts in anticipation of his release in March 2017 and has not signed since.
Later that year, he sued the NFL, accusing the team’s owners of collusion to keep him out of the league because of his protests during the national anthem.
In 2019, Kaepernick settled the grievance with the NFL for an undisclosed amount after accusing the owners of blackballing him in retaliation for controversial protests.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted in June 2021 that the league should have listened to players’ concerns about racism sooner, adding that he encouraged teams to sign the former 49ers star.
The league orchestrated a tryout for Kaepernick in 2019, but it was scuttled after he challenged the liability waiver the NFL asked him to sign.
In June 2022, he had a tryout with the Las Vegas Raiders, with the practice being his first meeting with a team since reportedly speaking with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017.
But, although the training was described as “positive,” nothing came of the meeting.
The Los Angeles Chargers were keeping tabs on Kaepernick in 2020, according to then-coach Anthony Lynn, who described the struggling quarterback as a good “fit” for his offense.
MORE SOON
