Hue Jackson Doesn't Rule out Browns Discussing Colin Kaepernick at Later Date

Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson confirmed free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick hasn't played a major role in the team's offseason discussions, but he left the door open when it came to considering him in the future.

Marc Sessler‏ of NFL.com relayed the coach's comments about the issue as questions linger about whether the QB's protest of the national anthem last season is keeping him from getting a contract.

"We haven't really discussed Colin," Jackson said Tuesday. "Not saying that it won't come up later on."

Kaepernick isn't the only player on Cleveland's radar, though. Erik Scalavino‏ of the New England Patriots' official website noted Jackson said he's searching for "his" QB but couldn't comment directly on trade rumors, including those surrounding the Pats' Jimmy Garoppolo.   

Sessler provided further details about Jackson's remarks about the team's search:

The Browns' quarterback situation remains a mess. They acquired Brock Osweiler in a trade with the Houston Texans earlier in the offseason, but that was more of a salary dump by Houston and a chance to add some extra draft picks for Cleveland than an actual deal for a QB.

Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan are the other options on the roster, but neither one is likely to develop into the face of the franchise.

Cleveland does own the No. 1 and No. 12 overall picks in the 2017 NFL draft. Jackson's comments seem to indicate the front office may wait until that process plays out starting April 27 before deciding whether to make a serious push for Kaepernick.

Meanwhile, Sheil Kapadia of ESPN noted Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman said on First Take last week he believes NFL teams are "blackballing" the quarterback due to his actions last year:

"

I'm sure he is. It's difficult to see because he's played at such a high level, and you see guys, quarterbacks, who have never played at a high level being signed by teams. So it's difficult to understand. Obviously he's going to be in a backup role at this point. But you see quarterbacks, there was a year Matt Schaub had a pretty rough year and got signed the next year. So it has nothing to do with football. You can see that. They signed guys who have had off years before.

"

It's a fair point. Kaepernick owns a career 88.9 passer rating and threw 16 touchdown passes with just four interceptions last season but can't find a team. At the same time, the Chicago Bears rushed to give Mike Glennon and his 84.6 career rating a three-year, $45 million deal early in free agency.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported in early March the former San Francisco 49ers starter was planning to end his protest and stand for the anthem in 2017. That hasn't led to him getting a contract, though.

Looking ahead, if the Browns don't end up with Mitch Trubisky, Deshaun Watson, DeShone Kizer or one of the other top quarterback prospects early in the draft, the idea of signing Kaepernick could become a more appealing option, assuming he doesn't find another team before that point.

Playing the waiting game is probably Kaepernick's best bet at this point with the initial wave of free agency over. Finding a situation where he might actually get a chance to see the field next season is more important than merely getting a deal done.