Colin Kaepernick is a perfect fit for the Raiders on every level
The Raiders could “buy low” on Kaepernick
Aside from the rebel aspect, the other reason for why the Raiders would have signed a player like Kaepernick in the past is because he is, not to sound crude, but a “depressed asset”. Just like buying low on a player that has just come off a major injury or drafting a talented player who slipped because of a medical concern, the Raiders have a chance to add a starting caliber QB to their depth chart for what is likely a very low price.
At the worst, Kaepernick has proven that he can be a starter in the NFL and we can say with confidence that he is a better QB that Nick Mullens and Jarret Stidham. Kaepernick could be brought in to compete and prove he is worth a roster spot and if he is at his best he could easily be the number two QB behind Derek Carr but perhaps at the cost of a third stringer because he has not played in several years.
Kaepernick also fits some of the concepts and style of play that head coach Josh McDaniels looks for in a QB. He has been most successful with the statuesque Tom Brady but when given a chance to use other QBs, he has preferred guys that can make plays with their legs as well as their arms. In Denver he drafted Tim Tebow, signed Cam Newton after Brady departed, and made the most Jimmy Garroppolo’s athleticism when he started during Brady’s suspension.
Kaepernick could also be used in that Marcus Mariota role where he is coming on in short yardage and goal-line situations and making defenses react to his presence on the field. This was successful for the Raiders when Mariota was healthy and gave their offense a whole different dimension.
So the potential signing of Kaepernick makes sense from a financial, football, and organizational perspective and seems like a no-brainer on all fronts. Kaepernick could be a great backup for Carr, provide starter level experience for a lower cost, and fits everything that the Al Davis Raiders have been since their inception.
The Raiders have always loved trailblazers and rebels and Kaepernick would be the perfect addition to a tradition that includes the likes of Ken Stabler, Ted Hendricks, Jack Tatum, and many more.
Not to mention, that KAEPERNICK 7 in Silver and Black would be among the highest selling jerseys in the NFL and that is a stone cold fact.