Colin Kaepernick to the Patriots?
Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy took to Twitter in support of Colin Kaepernick. He tweeted out that the NFL should apologize to Kaepernick and stated that he thought that the Patriots should sign the ousted QB. I have to say that I don’t totally disagree with Kennedy. Colin Kaepernick deserves an apology from the league after running him off the gridiron and Kennedy certainly isn’t the only person who thinks so.
The NFL should apologize to Colin Kaepernick and the Patriots should sign him.
— Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) June 9, 2020
For those who have been living under a rock, let’s take a brief trip down the kneeling protest for a refresher. In 2016 then San Fransico 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started kneeling in protest against police brutality of Black people in America. This gained momentum as more and more players joined Kaepernick in this peaceful protest each week. The protests kept happening even after Kaepernick was no longer playing. The NFL made a rule in 2018 saying that if any personnel is on the field for the National Anthem that they must be standing. This rule change came after the famous “sons of bitches” comment from the commander-in-chief.
An Apology in the Making
Fast forward to last week; some of the players banded together to create a message of unity within each other and send a message to the league. The commissioner of the league responded to their message the following day. It seems as though Roger Goodell listened to the players and is now encouraging players to peacefully protest. After the backtrack on their rule implemented in 2018, it’s only right that Kaepernick receives a personalized apology from the league as well.
Patriots and Kaepernick?
As for Kennedy saying that the Patriots should sign him, I definitely think that he should be in the running for QB1 in Foxboro. Since the departure of Tom Brady, there’s a healthy competition for that top roster spot. I know the Patriots already have Stidham, Hoyer, and undrafted Brian Lewerke. But I think that adding a consistent veteran player to the mix could benefit everybody on the team. The NFL and Kaepernick held a workout in November of 2019, albeit a courtesy gift from the league 3 years in the making. The workout showcased Kaep to scouts from the entire league. Though he wasn’t playing with 21 other players on the field, Kaepernick was able to show the world that his arm strength was still up to the test of the NFL and was still as mobile as he was in 2016. According to Jason La Canfora, the only real downfall that Kaepernick showed was his timing with WR’s wasn’t consistent. Which is something that could, without a doubt, come back to him with time and practice again.
Should the Patriots Sign Kaepernick?
Money is tight with cap space looming. However, I think it would be wise. Plus, it’d be worth the investment if the Patriots were to add Kaepernick to the roster. Kaepernick won’t be the most expensive player to grab. I think he could elevate the in-team competition for QB1. I’ve said numerous times that I’m excited to see what Jarrett Stidham is capable of this season. But the worst thing that could happen is that Stidham is a backup QB for another year. Having depth at QB is always necessary. Its kind of like the depth the Bruins have at goalie. Having a tandem that you’re confident in entering a game is almost a relief.
-Jess Donahue (@jldx392)