Backup QBs "blocking" Colin Kaepernick
The following is a list, presented with comment, about the current "backup" quarterbacks in the NFL, and whether their team has a leg to stand on when they state they don't have room in the quarterback position to give Colin Kaepernick a tryout.
TeamBackup QBCommentsBuffalo BillsMatt BarkleySIGN HIMMiami DolphinsRyan Fitzpatrick / Tua TagovailoaPASS. (Tua needs development, Fitzpatrick is a fine backup.)New England PatriotsBrian HoyerSIGN HIMNew York JetsJoe FlaccoSIGN HIM (Flacco isn't even healthy. Also he stinks.) Baltimore RavensRobert Griffin IIISIGN HIMCincinnati BengalsRyan FinleySIGN HIMCleveland BrownsCase KeenumSIGN HIMPittsburgh SteelersMason RudolphSIGN HIMHouston TexansA.J. McCarronSIGN HIMIndianapolis ColtsJacoby BrissettPASS. Brissett is a top quality backup.Jacksonville JaguarsMike GlennonSIGN HIMTennessee TitansLogan Woodside (seriously)SIGN HIMDenver BroncosJeff DriskelSIGN HIMKansas City ChiefsChad HenneSIGN HIMLas Vegas RaidersMarcus MariotaPASS. Mariota is a very good backup QB (and is being paid $9MM.)Los Angeles ChargersTyrod Taylor / Justin HerbertPASS. Taylor is a good backup, and Herbert needs development.Dallas CowboysAndy DaltonPASS. Dalton is a top-quality backup.New York GiantsColt McCoySIGN HIMPhiladelphia EaglesJalen HurtsPASS. Hurts is a top prospect with a future in the NFLWashington RedskinsKyle AllenPASS. Not because Allen is good (though he's capable) but because the REDSKINS being the team to sign Kaepernick would shatter the space-time continuum. Chicago BearsMitch TrubiskyPASS. Mitch is adequate as a backup QBDetroit LionsChase DanielSIGN HIM. Though Daniel is a professional backup, Kap is clearly better.Green Bay PackersJordan LovePASS. Love was a 1st round pick, and the Packers clearly have plans for him.Minnesota VikingsSean MannionSIGN HIMAtlanta FalconsMatt SchaubSIGN HIM. I honestly can't believe Schaub is still in the league.Carolina PanthersWill GrierSIGN HIMNew Orleans SaintsJames Winston / Taysom HillPASS. Jameis is a great backup, and Taysom is obviously is too.Tampa Bay BuccaneersBlaine GabbertSIGN HIMArizona CardinalsBrett HundleySIGN HIMLos Angeles RamsJohn WolfordSIGN HIM. (What happened to Blake Bortles?)Seattle SeahawksGeno SmithSIGN HIMSan Francisco 49ersNick MullensSIGN HIM
By my incredibly detailed analysis, that's 22/32 teams with backups that are not obviously an upgrade over Colin Kaepernick. ALL of these teams - and yes, I include my 49ers, though they were close as Mullens has proven he can be a good starter - should at the least be bringing him in for a workout. Teams are always focused on getting better. There are numbers of teams stating their desire to sign Antonio Brown, the biggest locker room distraction the league has seen in years. Don't teams want to get better? Aren't teams saying that Kaepernick (and others) are right in their desire to kneel, and that Black Lives Matter?
Actions speak louder than words. Sign Kap.