Patriots Rumors: Scout to Attend Colin Kaepernick's Workout for NFL Teams
November 14, 2019
The New England Patriots will be among the teams that are expected to send a scout to Colin Kaepernick's scheduled workout in Atlanta on Saturday, according to Jim McBride of the Boston Globe.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Tuesday that all 32 NFL teams were invited to attend the workout, with Kaepernick expected to participate in both on-the-field work and an interview.
Schefter noted that "several clubs" had inquired about Kaepernick's "current readiness." Kaepernick—who last played in the NFL in 2016—took to social media to let everyone know he is more than ready to resume his football career:
However, there are some clubs that reportedly are not going to make the trip:
Kaepernick completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 2,241 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions in 2016, his most recent NFL season. He added 468 yards and two scores on the ground in 12 games.
A second-round pick in 2011, Kaepernick spent six years with the San Francisco 49ers. He took over for an injured Alex Smith midway through his second season in 2012 and never looked back.
He led San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance in his first year under center, falling to the Baltimore Ravens 34-31 in Super Bowl XLVII. The 49ers also made it to the NFC Championship Game the following season.
At that point, Kaepernick appeared to be poised for stardom for years to come and signed a six-year, $126-million extension during the 2014 offseason.
However, he was benched during the 2015 season. Then, in 2016, he became the first NFL player to actively protest against racial injustice and police violence by taking a knee during the national anthem.
Kaepernick ultimately opted out of the final year of his contract following the 2016 season, having been told he was going to be released otherwise. He has not been on another NFL roster since.
Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL in October 2017, alleging collusion against him. The case was settled in February under undisclosed terms.
Last month, Kaepernick's representatives issued a statement that revealed the 32-year-old had received "little to no response" from teams regarding a potential opportunity:
An official number of teams that will attend Saturday's showcase has not been announced. However, a number of teams have already announced their intentions to attend.
According to TMZ Sports, both the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins will also send personnel.