Colin Kaepernick Could Finally Make His NFL Return, But Not As A Player

Eli Harold #58, Colin Kaepernick #7 and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest on the sideline, during the anthem, prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on Oct. 16, 2016, in Orchard Park, New York. | Source: Michael Zagaris / Getty

Well, it looks like Colin Kaepernick may finally have a way to return to the NFL, in a move that could possibly reunite him with his former San Francisco 49ers coach, Jim Harbaugh.

There’s one catch though… It wouldn’t be as a player.

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Harbaugh, who now coaches the Los Angeles Chargers, told USA TODAY Sports that he wants to hire Kaepernick as a member of his coaching staff.

“If that was ever the path he was to take, I think that would be tremendous,” Harbaugh said. “He’d be a tremendous coach, if that’s the path he chose.”

Harbaugh revealed last week during training camp that he talked to Kaepernick about the opportunity earlier this year. However, a follow-up conversation hasn’t been had.

“Yeah, we talked a little bit about it,” Harbaugh said. “He’s considering it. He was out of the country. He said he was going to get back to me. We haven’t reconnected since then. That was early, early in the year.”

Kaepernick’s Hesitation Explained…Possibly

The possible reason for the hold up should not be a surprise to anyone: Kaepernick still has hopes to suit up and get back on the field as a player. He said as much in a recent interview with Sky Sports.

“We’re still training, still pushing,” Kaepernick said. “So, hopefully. We’ve just got to get one of these team owners to open up.”

As we all know, Kaepernick hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016, when he was virtually blackballed from the league after igniting protests during the National Anthem by kneeling on the sideline. He would ultimately sue the NFL for collusion and reached an undisclosed settlement with the league in 2019.

Since then, Kaep has built a strong reputation as an activist in the Black community, specifically with his Know Your Rights Camp. However, his desire to return to the sport he loves remains strong.

Harbaugh has been one of Kaepernick’s biggest supporters in the league, and he even organized an open workout for his former QB at Michigan Stadium, during his time as U of M’s football coach. Despite that, Harbaugh has not spoken on the possibility of adding him to the Chargers’ playing roster.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 and head coach Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers discuss options against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter on Dec. 7, 2014, in Oakland, California. | Source: Brian Bahr / Getty

Could Kaepernick Be Useful On The Roster?

If Kaepernick’s skills are still intact, even after a 7-year hiatus, USA TODAY’s Jarrett Bell notes that there could be room for him as a backup quarterback, behind franchise player Justin Herbert.

At the moment, Herbert is rehabbing from a plantar fascia injury to his right foot and is projected to be ready for the Sept. 8 opener against the Raiders. Given that the three other quarterbacks in camp vying for backup roles – Easton Stick, Max Duggan and Luis Perez – are unproven or unimpressive, the timing to consider Kaepernick seemingly lines up.

That is, if Harbaugh wanted to really think outside the box and assess whether his former quarterback still has the skill to contribute in a league that has no shortage of mediocre backup quarterbacks.

Therefore, as noble as Harbaugh’s offer of a coaching job is, it may not be enough for the former NFC Champion and Super Bowl 47-playing quarterback who insists that he still has the right moves.

“I mean, it’s something I’ve trained my whole life for,” Kaepernick told Sky Sports when asked about playing again. “So, to be able to step back on the field would be a major moment, a major accomplishment for me. I think it’s something that I could bring a lot to a team and help them win a championship.”

So, will we see Coach Kaep in the future, or will he continue to hold out for a spot as a player? Only time will tell.

SEE ALSO:

‘White Privilege NFL Style’: Tim Tebow’s Return To Football Before Colin Kaepernick Sparks Outrage

The Thrill Is Gone: NFL More Popular Than Ever As Boycotts, DEI Programs Fade Away

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