Report: Chances of Colin Kaepernick making NFL return ‘higher’ than ever

Colin Kaepernick and the NFL put their differences aside (at least from a legal standpoint) last week when they agreed to a massive settlement. Now that the quarterback is no longer suing the league, could the next step be him returning to the field?

According to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report, Kaepernick’s chances of being signed by an NFL team are “higher now than at any time since he opted out of his deal with the Niners almost two years ago.” The settlement has a lot to do with that, but Freeman also notes that NFL owners no longer fear repercussions from Donald Trump. Even after the president blasted the league and its players for disrespecting the American flag, NFL ratings were better in 2018 than they were the previous season. That has eased the concerns of team owners who might consider signing a polarizing player like Kaepernick.

Kaepernick’s lawyer recently predicted either the Patriots or the Panthers will sign the 31-year-old, but Freeman says the chances of Kaepernick winding up in New England are virtually zero. Carolina, however, is an intriguing option given Cam Newton’s shoulder troubles and the fact that they recently signed Eric Reid to a contract extension.

While Kaepernick’s role in national anthem protests has obviously played a huge role in him remaining unsigned, he has now been out of football for two years. That will hurt his chances even further. If Kaepernick is still unable to find work, the reported financial details of his settlement with the NFL are a reminder that he will have no problem putting food on the table.