Why Hasn't An NFL Team Signed Kaepernick? These NFL Execs And Coaches Explain Why.
The ESPN article quotes an unnamed NFL executive pointing out that teams are concerned that Kaepernick would put his political agenda above the team.
"As a team builder, I cannot risk that happening again, especially for a borderline starter who needs the entire offense catered to his style," the exec said.
Kaepernick's style of play is also a factor cited by ESPN's sources for why teams aren't signing him, as Kaepernick is more of a hybrid quarterback instead of a traditional pocket passer, which doesn't fit the offense of most NFL teams.
Additionally, teams are unsure if Kaepernick is truly committed to football.
"Everyone else is worried about him working, but I never hear him say how much he wants to work," an unnamed offensive coordinator said. "That hits a chord. People want to hear, 'I want to work in the league, I want to work for you, I want to do this more than anything.' It's like with Tim Tebow — he'd rather be on the outside switching sports than be relegated to the [third team] and getting 20% of the reps."
NAACP, Activists Try To Force NFL To Sign Kaepernick
Civil rights group, activists pressure league to bring back toxic, sub-par quarterback.
CBS Sports reports that NAACP interim president Derrick Johnson has "officially requested a formal meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss NFL players and their ability to exercise their First Amendment rights." The NAACP's letter to Goodell specifically cites the "blackballing" of Kaepernick by the teams, none of which have expressed interest in him since he decided to become a free agent at the end of last season. The decision came after Kaepernick helped lead the San Francisco 49ers to one of their worst seasons ever, winning only two games and a single home game all year, both tying franchise lows in the 16-game season.
The NAACP's letter comes amid a concerted effort from Kaepernick supporters to pressure the league to sign the toxic QB despite evidence showing that his presence in the league hurt viewership and his presence on the field created huge distractions for the 49ers (just see Kaepernick's appearance in Miami as an example).