I've heard people say they'd quit watching over what Big Ben did (ACTUALLY DIDN'T) do, or "if they sign Michael Vick" or because of Ray Rice- blah-blah-blah, but it was all hot air, a week later they went back to watching.
There just isn't value there for Kaepernick. He turns 30 this year and he can't be a pocket passer. Even if he is your starter and you tailor your offense to him, what is the upside? A #17-30 starting QB, who isn't going to improve at all and is an injury risk because of his style? That is worth very, very little as a starter and almost nothing as a backup because most teams don't have a starter, who fits a similar mold. So, you add that all up and consider the BS protesting, crazy gf/fiancé, extra media attention, and possibility he spoils the locker room? No value, at all. And all that is said considering he takes vet minimum with no guaranteed money. If he wants legitimate backup or low end starter money, there is negative value. I think there is a team or two out there who would bring him in at vet min and let him compete to be a backup in their offense, but he extracts more value from grandstanding via ESPN than being someone's #2 or 3 QB or potentially getting cut.
Those Cleveland fans are likely similar to our diehards that put up with the garbage Pitt gives us. But I'm talking about national interest. Nobody pays much attention to the likes of Jacksonville, always mentioned as at risk of losing its team... And Cleveland of course has been a train wreck since Modell flew the coop. Neither ever on Sunday or Monday night's etc. Merchandise sales likely last. Etc. Kaepernick would get them attention real fast, and as a bonus would likely step in instantly better than any QB either have (a low bar, for sure). So as I said, a little surprised.
And he has a completion percentage on par with the 10 worst starters in the league. He is a mobile Brock Osweiler. He can throw the seams very well, but struggles in pretty much every other area of the field. It is good he doesn't throw that many INTs, but that is generally because he either throws to his #1 read, tucks and runs, or throws the ball away.
Why would that attention be good for them? It won't sell more tickets. That is the only way individual teams really make any extra revenue: butts in seats. They don't get a dime more for more of their jerseys selling outside of their stadium.
He's an older Cam Newton? Cam Newton is worlds better than Colin Kaepernick. In every respect. And, yes, Cam has definite limitations, which limit his longterm upside of being an elite QB. Is Kap better than Cody Kessler or Kizer? Probably. Probably by about a game of difference. What does winning that game buy/cost you? What does not seeing what you have in Kessler or Kizer cost you? Again, all that is before the distraction issue.
And you think signing Colin Kaepernick increases their sold tickets and in stadium sales by how much?
I'll agree that it was fun watching the drunk swashbuckling QBs of the earlier eras. Stabler for sure. Guys like Billy Kilmer and Sonny Jurgenson and Daryl Lamonica and of course Namath (all a bit before my time but the clips are fun). Bradshaw, Bert Jones. Joe Gilliam wacked out on coke. Big armed and cocky and likely hungover. Calling their own plays. Getting pisssd and fighting with coach and teammates on the sidelines. Bombs and picks galore. Headhunter DBs destroying receivers (and no flags). No WR waving for interference penalties before the ball even hits the ground. 69-45 games of the AFL. Better than the agonizing dinking and dunking of Brady and his wannabes today.
But Kaepernick can actually play.
In his day? They were drafted the same year...
It is a big deal to liberal media types trying to drive a story. Otherwise this is a market issue where it is abundantly clear the guy doesn't provide more value than risk.
