Colin Kaepernick Free Agency: Baltimore Ravens Considering Quarterback After Joe Flacco Injury

As NFL training camps get underway, Colin Kaepernick is still without a job. Much has been made of Kaepernick's free agency in the wake of his national anthem protest, and many people believe that the quarterback has essentially been “blackballed” from the league.

At least one team, however, appears to be considering giving Kaepernick a shot. The Baltimore Ravens are exploring their options at quarterback with the news of Joe Flacco’s back injury. Kaepernick could be a fit if the Super Bowl winner is going to be out for an extended period of time.

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Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was asked about the possibility of the team signing Kaepernick Thursday. Harbaugh’s brother, Jim Harbaugh, coached Kaepernick when he was with the San Francisco 49ers.

“I've known Colin through my brother for many years," Harbaugh told reporters. "And we talked and then got to know him very well when he scrimmaged here. He and I have been talking throughout the summer a number of times. We had some great conversations on the phone and it's really been a pleasure to talk to him and get to know him. I like history and politics too, and we've had some debates, and it's been fun. And he's a great guy.

“He's a guy right now that's being talked about. We'll see what happens with that. Only speculation right now. He's a really good football player and like I said, I do believe he'll be playing in the National Football League this year.”

Baltimore opens the 2017 regular season when they visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 10. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the team believes Flacco’s injury isn’t serious and a week of rest might be all that’s needed. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, however, reported that it could be more serious, claiming the Ravens are preparing to lose their starting quarterback for three to six weeks.

Ryan Mallett, Baltimore’s current backup quarterback, wouldn’t exactly be a reliable option if Flacco is forced to miss a game of any importance. With 329 passing attempts since he was drafted in 2012, Mallett has completed just 55 percent of his passes for a 64.9 passer rating. Mallett is 3-5 as a starter.

Flacco didn’t play particularly well as the Ravens went 8-8 and missed the playoffs for the second straight season in 2016. He threw for 4,317 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, and his 83.5 passer rating ranked 24th among starting quarterbacks.

Kaepernick was 17th in the NFL with a 90.7 passer rating. He might not be a reliable starting option anymore, but he seems to be better than a handful of quarterbacks that have found backup roles this offseason.

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“Do I think that certain owners have blocked teams from visits or interest? I do, I do believe that,” Schefter said on ESPN’s “Mike and Mike” Thursday morning, regarding teams’ pursuit of Kaepernick. “And I think that there has been more interest in him from the coaching and front office level than there has been at the ownership level.”

Baltimore just lost offensive lineman John Urschel, who announced his retirement at just 26 years old. Urschel was expected to compete for the starting center position in training camp.