Roger Goodell Says He Supports & Encourages Teams To Sign Colin Kaepernick

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in an interview with Mike Greenberg for ESPN’s “The Return of Sports” special that he supports and encourages teams to sign free agent QB Colin Kaepernick.

“Well, listen, if he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it’s gonna take a team to make that decision,” Goodell said, via ESPN.com. “But I welcome that, support a club making that decision, and encourage them to do that.

“If his efforts are not on the field but continuing to work in this space, we welcome him to that table and to help us, guide us, help us make better decisions about the kinds of things that need to be done in the communities. We have invited him in before, and we want to make sure that everybody’s welcome at that table, and trying to help us deal with some very complex, difficult issues, that have been around for a long time.

“But I hope we’re at a point now where everybody’s committed to making long-term, sustainable change.”

Goodell has said previously that the league will support players in any peaceful protests this season, which could open the door for a team to give Kaepernick a serious look at some point. 

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported a few weeks ago that Kaepernick is in “great shape” and still wants to resume his NFL career. In fact, Florio’s source says Kaepernick is “more motivated to play than ever.”

TMZ Sports also mentioned that Kaepernick is still training every day “as if he’ll be on an NFL roster in 2020.”

“He’s in the best shape of his life,” a source close to Kaepernick told TMZ.

Last year, the NFL set up a workout between teams and Kaepernick. It was later moved to a Georgia high school after Kaepernick and his team made the decision to relocate the workout.

Seven teams including the 49ers, Eagles, Chiefs, Jets, Redskins, Lions and Titans made the trip and attended the session. However, nothing ever materialized between Kaepernick and a team last season. 

Kaepernick, 32, is a former second-round pick of the 49ers back in 2010. He was in the third year of his seven-year, $126.97 million contract that included $61 million guaranteed when reached an agreement with the 49ers on a restructured deal that allowed him to become an unrestricted free agent in 2016.

The Seahawks showed interest in bringing Kaepernick in for a visit before later canceling the meeting altogether.

Kaepernick last appeared in an NFL game back in 2016 when he completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 2,241 yards and 16 touchdowns and four interceptions while adding 468 yards rushing and two touchdowns. 

We’ll have more regarding Kaepernick as the news is available.