New England Patriots rumors: Colin Kaepernick a low percentage reality

Would the New England Patriots give Colin Kaepernick a chance? One NFL writer believes that is a very low percentage possibility.

Move over Cam Newton, the Colin Kaepernick rumors have shoved you to the background when it comes to the New England Patriots and their current quarterbacking situation.

Those rumors were addressed by ESPN Patriots writer Mike Reiss who told WEEI’s Ken Laird and Nick “Fitzy” Stevens during an appearance on their show as he explained why a Kaepernick to New England is a “very low-percentage” reality and how, if it does happen, it won’t be just about football.

"“I feel like, the way it’s set up for the Patriots this year is they really want to see what they have in Jarrett Stidham, and they really like the idea of Brian Hoyer as a guy who has been in the system and there won’t be that same learning curve if they bring someone from outside the system,” Reiss said, via WEEI.  “Especially given that we haven’t had a traditional offseason and training camp is going to be a real sort of hurry up crammed season.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

Reiss went on to say that the only real possibility of a Colin Kaepernick and Bill Belichick marriage would be if the decision came from higher up (perhaps Robert Kraft) as a decision done for the image of the NFL and not particularly due to the Patriots needing him.

Take away the storyline surrounding Kaepernick, he is a quarterback who hasn’t played a game since 2016.  If the New England Patriots are going to bring in someone else, it might as well be Cam Newton who recently passed his physical.

Why the Colin Kaepernick  to New England Patriots rumors are not so crazy

While the New England Patriots appear committed to second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham to take over the reins left vacant by the great Tom Brady, there are many around the league who feel that the Patriots should at least bring in another veteran quarterback to not only challenge Stidham, but be a viable option to step in if Stidham proves he is not ready.

In those terms, that is exactly why Brian Hoyer was brought back to the team.  But as long as there are talented quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick out there, these rumors will swirl.

So how would Kaepernick fit in a Patriots’ offense with not much proven talent?

Former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich gave his opinion during an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up!” certainly doesn’t see the 32-year-old quarterback as a distraction.

"“Bringing guys in that could be a distraction, Bill Belichick is able to take the whole team, you come together, you have a team meeting, he explains everything to you and everyone just goes on a regular business,” Ninkovich said, as transcribed by NESN.  “Every single day, you come in, you work on your craft and you try to be better individually as a player and try to come together as a team.  I think Bill Belichick is if not the best, one of the best to ever bring a team together no matter who’s on the roster, no matter what they have at his disposal.  He’s able to bring guys together from all over different parts.  So, I think that Kaepernick in a Patriots locker room would not be a distraction.”"

From Tim Tebow to Josh Gordon to Antonio Brown, the Patriots head coach definitely has a track record of not shying away from a player due to the controversy surrounding them.  That’s why many feel if any team can deal with what will come with Colin Kaepernick, it would be the New England Patriots because of Belichick effect Ninkovich mentioned above.

As far as how he would fit on the field, as Mike Reiss mentioned above, he would have to learn the system, which could be challenging.

On the field, he has a talent Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels can be creative with.  But, with him being out of the league since 2016, the team could be just as creative with a younger player who is already in position to take over at the position.

That, of course, being Jarrett Stidham.