The 2017 NFL season is entering its third week and quarterback Colin Kaepernick is still a free agent.
Tom Brady believes he should be in the league. So does Aaron Rodgers, who recently told ESPN’s Mina Kimes that Kaepernick doesn’t have a job because he’s outspoken about social justice.
What do Vikings players think about Kaepernick?
“Obviously he’s taken his team to the Super Bowl, so you have to be doing something right to do that,” wide receiver Adam Thielen to GoMN. “I’m sure he’s better than some of the quarterbacks out there, but that’s not my decision.”
Thielen’s not wrong. Just look at the starting quarterbacks who have started this season: Jacoby Brissett, Scott Tolzien, Brian Hoyer, DeShone Kizer and Josh McCown. All of those players have career numbers much worse than Kaepernick’s.
“I feel like he should be in the NFL, he should be playing for a team,” defensive end Everson Griffen told GoMN, while adding that he’s not sure Kaepernick will get a chance.
Thielen thinks that chance will come for Kaepernick.
“I think there will be a point where he does,” Thielen said. “I’m sure there’s going to be injuries where I’m sure he’ll get an opportunity.”
Kaepernick was reportedly in talks with the Baltimore Ravens when Joe Flacco was dealing with a back issue during the summer, but the Ravens stayed away.
Even though the Vikings are experiencing issues at quarterback thanks to Sam Bradford’s knee injury, it’s unlikely Kaepernick is on Minnesota’s radar.
Head coach Mike Zimmer said Monday that he doesn’t anticipate the Vikings will sign a quarterback. Instead, they’ll roll with Case Keenum and Kyle Sloter until Bradford is healthy enough to play.
It’s also worth noting that Teddy Bridgewater could be ready to play by midseason, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Until then, Kaepernick has made it known that he’s in football shape and is ready to play.
