The Arizona Cardinals and the Colin Kaepernick Conundrum

No name in football is more divisive than that of quarterback Colin Kaepernick

Since the beginning of last season, no player, or NFL personnel of any kind, has been as big a story as former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. His rise, and subsequent fall, on the field has been noted. However, it’s the things he has done on the sidelines that has had people talking the most.

Everyone knows the story. In response to social issues that he felt very strongly about, Kaepernick decided to take a stance by taking a knee during the National Anthem. This was mostly perceived in one of two ways by fans. Some applauded him for having the courage to follow his heart. Others became angry, calling him everything from disrespectful, to names that can’t be printed.

Even among players, there was division. He did get support from some, and players on various teams around the league knelt with him. Some players thought he needed to find a different way to express himself.

The 2016 season has ended now, and, as usual, there are many teams needing a quarterback, either starter or backup. The Arizona Cardinals are one of those teams. Inevitably, the question has to be asked as to whether or not Kaepernick could help the team.

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Kaepernick has had some incredible highs in his career. In 2012 and 2013, he went 17-6 as a starter, and had a 4-2 playoff record. In 2012, the 49ers made it to the Super Bowl, where the Baltimore Ravens won a close game.

Perhaps Kaepernick’s biggest asset has been his legs. During his two playoff runs in San Francisco, he ran for over 900 yards and 9 touchdowns. He wasn’t a terrible passer, though. He was raw, more of a thrower than a passer, coming into the league. However, former head coach Jim Harbaugh made the most of what he had. Under Harbaugh, Kaepernick completed over 60% of his passes, and had 50 touchdowns to just 21 interceptions.

Once Harbaugh was gone, things got tenuous. Kaepernick struggled with a different system and with less weapons. He lost his job in 2015, though he gained it back during the 2016 season. With his contract up, he entered free agency this off-season.

Thus far, there has been little interest for the former 49er. At the same time, the Cardinals find themselves with an uncertain future at quarterback. Palmer is likely playing in his final season, and there is no real answer for who will take over in 2018. Could Kaepernick make sense?

There are a few factors at play. First, is the potential backlash from fans if he’s signed. There is a percentage of people who find what Kaepernick did reprehensible, and would be mortified to have their favorite team sign him. This shouldn’t be as big a factor is it might be. In a league where second chances are routinely given, a player’s political views shouldn’t be held against him. After all, he was only fighting for justice for all people, something everyone should want.

Secondly, and more importantly, is the fit. The Cardinals like to get the ball down the field, something Kaepernick does effortlessly. However, head coach Bruce Arians seems to prefer the classic pocket quarterback over a running one.

Lastly, and perhaps the biggest issue, is the cost. Reportedly, Kaepernick is seeking around $10 million per year. The Cardinals have money limits, and they would probably want to spend much less on their backup quarterback.

The continuing saga of Colin Kaepernick will continue to be a story this summer. He’s clearly a talented player, and is certainly better than many of the quarterbacks currently employed. There are likely several teams discussing it internally.

Next: Patrick Mahomes is the Best Fit for Cardinals

The Cardinals are likely not going to be, and shouldn’t be suitors for his services. Hopefully, it’s not because of his political opinions, or his quest for social justice. He just doesn’t fit Arizona’s system, and the cost is too high. Those are reasons that make much more sense.