Veteran free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick, effectively exiled from the NFL for the past five years, is working out for the Las Vegas Raiders on Wednesday, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
Colin Kaepernick scheduled to work out for Las Vegas Raiders
Raiders owner Mark Davis recently told reporters he was in support of Kaepernick.
“I believe in Colin Kaepernick,” Davis said. “He deserves every chance in the world to become a quarterback in the National Football League. I still stand by it. If our coaches and general manager want to bring him in, I would welcome him with open arms.”
Kaepernick recently auditioned for teams at halftime of the University of Michigan spring game. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback was invited to have a throwing exhibition by Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, his coach with the 49ers.
Kaepernick’s throwing event was previously announced on the official NFL personnel notice, which Pro Football Network obtained: “Free agent QB Colin Kaepernick will hold an exhibition throwing event with some draft-eligible players during halftime of Michigan’s spring game tomorrow. NFL club personnel in attendance are permitted to watch this event.”
Kaepernick hasn’t played in the NFL in the wake of controversy sparked by him kneeling during the national anthem to raise awareness of racial discrimination and police brutality.
Kaepernick has been working out in various cities across the country, including Los Angeles, Houston, and Atlanta. He recently worked out with Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett. The workouts are being shared on social media and document Kaepernick’s willingness and capability to play again. He has displayed zip and distance on his throws in videos of the workouts.
Kaepernick has also stayed busy with Nike advertising, a Netflix docuseries based on his life called “Colin in Black and White,” and activism, including his “Know Your Rights” camp.
Kaepernick, 34, was supposed to work out at the Atlanta Falcons’ training complex in 2019. However, the session broke down over his refusal to sign a liability waiver and the NFL not wanting reporters to attend. Instead, he auditioned for eight NFL scouts at a local high school and was not signed to a contract.
Last month, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said Kaepernick deserves another opportunity. However, no workout has materialized with the team. Nonetheless, Kaepernick has said that he has spoken with Carroll and Seahawks general manager John Schneider. He worked out for them in 2017.
During his career in San Francisco, Kaepernick led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance, a pair of NFC Championship Games, and established a new quarterback rushing playoff game record.
Lawsuit settled, Roger Goodell conciliatory
In 2019, Kaepernick and former 49ers teammate Eric Reid settled a lawsuit with the NFL alleging collusion between NFL owners.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged Kaepernick’s protest efforts in a conciliatory tone following a video by NFL players regarding the Black Lives Matter movement after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers:
“We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest.”