Lawyer believes Carolina Panthers could sign Colin Kaepernick

Representation believes Colin Kaepernick could join the Carolina Panthers.

The last time Colin Kaepernick visited the Carolina Panthers was in January for a divisional playoff contest following the 2013 season. Leading the San Francisco 49ers, he left victorious after passing for 196 yards while scoring both a passing and rushing touchdown. Ending the Panthers year at home after 12 regular season wins, it was perhaps Kaepernick’s final trip to the playoffs.

Kaepernick followed with a mediocre 8-8 record in 2014 before becoming involved in a quarterback battle with Blaine Gabbert and ultimately more controversial, after beginning his peaceful protest during the 2016 preseason. Initially sitting and then choosing to kneel during the playing of the national anthem, Kaepernick hoped to shed light on social injustice issues.

After not being re-signed once his contract expired, Kaepernick felt the league conspired to keep him out of football for his actions. For two years the former second-round (No. 36 overall) pick has been sidelined but a recent end to his lawsuit against the league may open the door for a return.

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Eric Reid, a former Kaepernick teammate and current Panthers safety, signed with Carolina last season after defensive injuries left a need at the position. Part of a separate case against the NFL, Reid has supported Kaepernick and until Week 4 last year also remained a free agent despite being available for all teams during the entire offseason.

New to the NFL, David Tepper was the only team owner not listed as a part of either case against the league. This provided an opening of sorts for the Panthers to sign Reid without any ramifications to the suit against the league.

Reid just signed an extension to remain with Carolina and both players recently reached an agreement with the NFL, effectively ending the lawsuit. Similar to Reid, Kaepernick may now return without any ramifications from the NFL or any owners. His attorney, Mark Geragos, believes the quarterback will soon sign with either the Panthers or New England Patriots.

The health of Cam Newton remains a concern and although he is expected back for training camp, the Panthers have to be worried about his long-term availability. Tepper has discussed all options being on the table, including a possible year layoff, in which case having a quarterback with a proven track record would be beneficial.

As the free agent signing period and NFL Draft approach, the Panthers personnel decisions could reveal how confident general manager Marty Hurney is in Newton’s ability to return fully healthy. Signing Kaepernick, as Geragos believes, would indicate cause for concern.