NFL rumors: Teams getting closer to making move for Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season, but his return seems imminent as teams are doing their research on him.

Colin Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since the 2016 season. But his return seems imminent.

Michael Silver of NFL Network reported earlier this week a number of teams were interested in the free-agent quarterback. On Friday, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported teams have had conversations with “friends and associates” of Kaepernick (via NFL.com):

Garafolo reported on NFL Total Access, however, that teams are getting closer to making a potential move.

“Teams are circling around here getting closer, I believe, certainly closer than they've been in recent years,” Garafolo said of Colin Kaepernick on NFL Network. “Now you might say why not just go directly to Kaepernick, go directly to his agent? Why do you have to play this game where you're working the periphery — just more of the same? That would be a fair point. My understanding, at least to explain it from a team's perspective, is they're still doing their homework, still doing their research. When they get to the point where they're confident enough that they think they can work out a contract, that's when there'll be direct communication with the agent. But for now … we all see more positive signs that Kaepernick could be back in the league soon.”

Colin Kaepernick's name has been thrown around quite a bit as of late in light of the social unrest in America following the death of George Floyd at the end of May.

Coaches and players alike have since lauded Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem in protest of police brutality and racial injustice. Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement saying the NFL was wrong in its handling of past player protests, also adding he would “encourage” any interested team to sign Kaepernick.

It is unknown how many teams are interested in the former Niners star. But the Los Angeles Chargers are might be one of those teams. Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said Kaepernick fit their offensive system last week.

Of course, nothing is certain until a contract is signed. But Kaepernick seems to be inching closer to an NFL return.