Free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick has not suited up in an NFL game since New Year’s Day back in 2017.

That could change here soon with reports that the Las Vegas Raiders are working out Kaepernick on Wednesday. These reports come as short while after Raiders owner Mark Davis made it clear he believes the Super Bowl quarterback deserves another opportunity in the NFL.

Deserves is the operative word here. We know the backstory that led to Kaepernick’s departure from the NFL. It seems pointless to re-hash a now six-year old debate that will have both sides screaming into the abyss to make their point.

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Colin Kaepernick slated to work out for Raiders this week

From an on-field perspective, Colin Kaepernick makes perfect sense for the Raiders. From a community and organizational standpoint, that narrative rings true, too. Here’s why.

 

Colin Kaepernick is better than Raiders quarterbacks behind Derek Carr

Jarrett Stidham? Nick Mullens? Chase Garbers? These are the three names that exist behind a recently-extended Derek Carr on the Raiders’ depth chart. Three names, who like so many before, them have us wondering what have they done in the NFL to deserve a chance. Yes, that word “deserve” again.

Mullens’ last consistent playing time in the NFL came with Kaepernick’s former 49ers team back in 2020. He threw 12 touchdowns against 16 turnovers in replacing an injured Jimmy Garoppolo. Unlike Kaepernick, this came within the confines of a team that was legitimately months removed from a Super Bowl appearance.

A fourth-round pick of the New England Patriots back in 2019, Vegas acquired Stidham for a swap of late-round picks earlier in May. Seen as a potential heir-apparent to Tom Brady, the Auburn product fell out of favor in New England after throwing two touchdowns against four intereceptions in 48 regular-season pass attempts. That’s fun.

As for Garbers, he was signed as an undrafted free agent earlier this month after a ho-hum four-year career with CAL. These are the three current options to take over if Carr goes down for a playoff-contending Raiders team. That’s playing with fire.