Colin Kaepernick return would be a huge, correct move for NFL

Roger Goodell knows it’s time. Both from a social and business standpoint, the NFL commissioner knows the league would largely be in a better place if Colin Kaepernick was playing for one of its 32 clubs come this summer.

Kaepernick, 32, has essentially been blackballed for the past three seasons after his contract expired with the San Francisco 49ers. Kaepernick famously knelt during the national anthem repeatedly during the 2016 season. He did so to raise awareness for police brutality against people of color.

However, Kaepernick didn’t receive support from the league office. As a result, he has spent the years since trying to find a way back onto the field.

Now, after losing three prime years of his career after fighting for a just cause, Kaepernick might have his best chance. On Monday, Goodell spoke on ESPN and said he encourages teams to sign the former 49ers star. He also mentioned that should Kaepernick not get into a uniform, the NFL still has a place for him. Via NFL.com:

“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,” Goodell said. “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.”

While this would be terrific, hopefully Kaepernick gets the opportunity he’s looking for. In an ideal world, he should be able to play either as a starter or backup. Meanwhile, he would get the chance to foster change both within the NFL and in society as a whole.

Despite not playing for the past three seasons, it’s impossible to make a logical argument of Kaepernick not being good enough to make a roster. Looking around the depth charts, there’s at least a dozen teams who could upgrade immediately at backup, including some contenders such as the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings.

For years, the NFL appeared closed off to Colin Kaepernick coming back. Now, due to shifting viewpoints in a time of upheaval within America, the league may need Kaepernick more than the other way around.