Key Points:
- BC Lions add Colin Kaepernick to their CFL negotiation list, according to TSN’s Farhan Lalji.
- Kaepernick’s professional football career in brief: Six seasons, 12,271 passing yards, and 72 touchdowns.
- The quarterback expresses desire to continue playing, as evident in a recent letter to the New York Jets.
BC Lions and Kaepernick: A New Avenue?
The BC Lions have reportedly placed Colin Kaepernick on their negotiation list. In the CFL, each team can claim exclusive CFL rights to up to 45 players by placing them on these lists. Players can be shifted or traded at any given point. Kaepernick, 35, previously made it to the negotiation lists of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Montreal Alouettes back in 2017.
A Look at Kaepernick’s Career
Initially drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011, Kaepernick gained prominence in the 2012 season leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. He has thrown for 12,271 yards and 72 touchdowns against 30 interceptions in his career. Additionally, he rushed for 2,300 yards and 13 touchdowns. His last NFL season was in 2016, during which he protested racial injustice by refusing to stand for the American anthem.
Kaepernick’s Desire to Return to Professional Football
There seems to be a marked interest from Kaepernick to return to the gridiron. This was underscored by a letter he sent to New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas, expressing his wish to lead their practice squad. “I would do this with the sole mission of getting your defense ready each week,” he wrote. However, the Jets seem to have other plans, having recently picked up veteran quarterback Trevor Siemian.
CFL: Kaepernick’s Possible Future?
Should Kaepernick decide to make a move to the CFL, the BC Lions would have first dibs on him for the 2024 season. While he has predominantly shown interest in the NFL, his opportunity to continue playing as a quarterback seems more plausible in the CFL.
Kaepernick had recently written a letter to the New York Jets’ management, indicating his willingness to be a practice roster player. It remains to be seen if the BC Lions will transform from an option to a reality for Kaepernick, especially as he seems keen on returning to professional football in some capacity.
The CFL appears to be a feasible route for Kaepernick if he genuinely wishes to resume his career, especially considering the unlikelihood of an NFL return in the immediate future. The BC Lions, for their part, are open to offering him that very chance.
David Tress
September 29, 2023 at 11:35 am
Should Kaepernick sign with B.C. then B.C. Place Stadium would be full for awhile. But the thing is – Is he too old? And will he stand for the Canadian National Anthem?