John Elway on Colin Kaepernick: Never say never
Colin Kaepernick was once the primary target at quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Now, he’s more than a longshot according to John Elway…
Colin Kaepernick was the main topic of discussion prior to the 2016 NFL Draft, at least he was for the Denver Broncos.
After falling out of favor with the coaching staff in San Francisco, Kaepernick was considered potentially the best option on the open market at quarterback and John Elway was in hot pursuit. Talks had gotten to the point that the Broncos and 49ers had agreed on trade compensation for Kaepernick, but the quarterback refused to come to terms on a new contract.
Kaepernick then went on to start this past season as a backup in San Francisco, making headlines for his decision to kneel during the National Anthem.
After awhile, Kaepernick found himself back in the starting lineup for the Niners, and he actually put up pretty respectable numbers. This offseason, however, it appeared as though the ship had sailed as it relates to the Broncos, and Elway commented on him at the annual NFL owner’s meetings on Monday:
Asked John Elway about Colin Kaepernick. Never say never, but says #Broncos likely to go with someone who's a better fit for their offense.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 28, 2017
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This raises a couple of interesting points. First of all, Elway didn’t completely close the door on Kaepernick, but clearly it’s not likely they are going to make a move there. Second, Elway hints that the Broncos will go after someone, but someone who is a better fit for Mike McCoy’s offensive plans.
Whether that’s a starting caliber quarterback (Tony Romo) or someone in the 2017 NFL Draft remains to be seen. One way or another, it’s interesting to hear what Elway has to say about Kaepernick roughly a year after the fact.
Had Kaepernick signed a new deal with the Broncos at this time last offseason, who knows how everything would have played out? He could be entering year two as the Broncos’ projected starting quarterback for all we know…
It’s unfortunate for Kaepernick that he passed on the opportunity, and the Broncos have moved on more likely than not.