NFL Notes: Colin Kaepernick, Draft, Dolphins, Steelers

Colin Kaepernick

According to 49ers GM John Lynch, free agent QB Colin Kaepernick was close to signing a contract with an undisclosed team, but it apparently fell through.

“He was, in everyone’s mind in the league, close to signing a deal with a team at a really good number and it fell through, apparently,” Lynch said, via the Sacramento Bee.

Matt Barrows lists the Jets, Browns, Broncos, and Texans as teams that would make sense for Kaepernick, given their current quarterback situations.

Lynch admitted that their decision to sign two other quarterbacks likely prevents Kaepernick from returning to San Francisco, but he didn’t completely rule it out.

“I think the likelihood of that happening has probably gone down significantly,” Lynch said of Kaepernick. “But we’re not going to close our minds or our options on anyone, including him.”

Draft

While there has been so much made about this year’s running back class being the best in a long time, a running backs coach tells Lance Zierlein that he doesn’t think it’s really as deep as everyone is saying.

“I keep hearing how this is such a deep running back draft, but somebody needs to tell me what that means,” said the running backs coach. “I see some starters early on, but after that, I see a bunch of (No. 2 backs) and change-of-pace types. I don’t make the picks, but to me, it looks like you better go get one of those top guys if you really want a running back this year.”

• Aaron Wilson reports that the Texans showing interest in San Jose State WR Tim Crawley.
• The Titans ran the workout for MTSU CB Jeremy Cutrer on Friday and he met with the Giants and Cardinals. (Tony Pauline)
• Old Dominion WR Zach Pascal met with the Jets, Bears and Broncos after his Pro Day. (Tony Pauline)

Dolphins

• According to Armando Salguero, suspended DE Dion Jordan isn’t in the Dolphins’ long-term plans, even though he’s been attempting a comeback.
• Salguero mentions that Jordan was legitimately trying to salvage his Dolphins career last year, but he had no explosion in practice last year and one coach mentioned that he couldn’t really run.
• Beyond that, there’s a new regime in place from the people who traded up to get Jordan year ago.

Steelers

Steelers TE Ladarius Green plans to be attendance for the start of offseason workouts, despite dealing with injuries including concussion issues last year.

Green mentioned that he’s looking for a fresh start in 2017.

“I definitely am [excited],” Green said, via ESPN.com. “I think everybody is.”