Since the beginning of the 2017 NFL free agency period began, over 10 different quarterbacks have signed new contracts to extend their unimpressive careers in the league. Of the signal callers that have agreed to new deals this offseason, none of them are really known for the success they have experienced during their time in the NFL.
In fact, only two of the quarterbacks who have signed new contracts since free agency began have started in a playoff game (Nick Foles and Brian Hoyer).
Despite there being a number of free agent signal callers taken off the market, there still remain a few quarterbacks without 2017 contracts that could actually help a team out next season.
One of these players that is still available is someone who has been making more headlines off-the-field than on it, as of late.
Kaepernick has not necessarily seen a storm of teams trying to sign him this offseason. (Photo Source: Twitter)
These headlines have not been due to this player beating his wife or driving drunk, but rather him taking a stand (or seat) for human rights and doing what he can to help others in need.
For the past eight months, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been using his platform as a professional athlete to raise awareness about some of the many struggles this country deals with on a daily basis.
Last summer, numerous areas across the United States were dealing with vicious acts of violence and it seemed to be reaching an uncontrollable level. So Kaepernick, knowing that his profession was one that placed him in the public’s eye, decided to do something in an effort to put an end to the recklessness going on in the country.
During a 49ers preseason game last August, he decided to remain seated during the playing of the American national anthem. He immediately faced a ridiculous amount of backlash from those who thought he disgracing the country, but the quarterback had a good reason for his action.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.
To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
His protest continued during the 2016 season and recently the quarterback said that he will no longer be seated during the playing of the anthem. Since his protest began, Kaepernick has created a tremendous amount of awareness for a number of current issues and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various charities and community organizations.
Even though he has been trying to make a positive impact on the country he calls home, no team has even made an attempt to sign the 29-year-old quarterback to a new deal (despite what the current San Francisco general manager has claimed).
His lack of a contract has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he has only led the 49ers to four wins in his last 24 starts under center. It has absolutely nothing to do with him completing less than 60 percent of his passes and throwing for less than 3,000 yards in 2016.
His protest may have been controversial to some, but Kaepernick accomplished his quest to raise awareness for human rights. (Photo Source: Twitter)
It most certainly has everything to do with his protest and the fear that lives inside the elderly, white billionaire men who own NFL teams.
It is not like no team is interested in Kaepernick’s skills on the football field. Try and convince a New York Jets fan that Josh McCown is going to give them a better chance to win in 2017 than Kaepernick would.
But NFL coaches and general managers have likely been instructed by their owners to stay away from the “controversial” quarterback. Hence why, Kaepernick is still appearing on every football website’s list of the top free-agents still available.
He may not get signed during the offseason, but a team is likely to come calling for Kaepernick at some point in 2017. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Is his career in the NFL over? It is possible but it seems highly unlikely at this point in time.
Injuries always happen in the league each and every year and someone is bound to need to sign a quarterback at some point before or during the upcoming season.
Until that happens, Kaepernick is just going to continue being the selfish person he is and donate more of his paycheck to charity (so selfish).
Kaepernick’s antics have earned him a reputation. All he needs now (besides a job) is a nickname and he’ll be written into the history books like these legends
Origin Announce Their Spring 2017 Roster
Once Origen announced their roster for the 2017 Spring Split, it became immediately apparent that the team would struggle to stay in the EU LCS. The roster included Satorius, Wisdom, NaeHyun, Tabzz and Hiiva.
sOAz and Amazing Leave Origen
xPeke was left as the last man standing from the original roster. sOAz and Amazing left the squad after becoming dismayed with the team's performance.
soaz and amazing leave
xPeke Steps In As AD Carry
The team's new bot lane duo simply did not work out. Forg1ven left the squad mid-split, with no replacement available, xPeke stepped into the ADC role. His infamous play is a harrowing memory for all Origen fans.
It all started when xPeke left Fnatic…
Origen was founded by xPeke in 2014 after he left Fnatic following the World Championship. With no prior experience running a team, nobody could have predicted just how far the team would go.
Origen Become the EU LCS’ Worst Ever Team
Without a single series win to their name, Origen's 2017 Spring Split roster will go down in history as the EU LCS's worst ever team.
Zven and Mithy Leave to Join G2 eSports
The dagger in the back of Origen. The team's bot lane duo departed the team unexpectedly ahead of the 2016 Summer Split.
Origin Heartbreak featured
Julius Erving – “Dr. J”
Nicknames don't get much cooler than "Dr. J", that's basically the pinnacle of nicknames. Everyone knows you're cool, and probably really good at basketball, both of which Julius Erving was. And for what's it's worth, his afro was as cool as his nickname. (Source: Twitter)
Fred McGriff – “Crime Dog”
I absolutely love everything about Fred McGriff's nickname of "Crime Dog", because I absolutely have no idea what it's even in reference to. Crime Dog? Like what the hell does that even mean? My response is who cares, because it's freaking awesome. (Source: Twitter)
Gordie Howe – “Mr. Hockey”
That's right, I'm showing hockey some love here. Now I'm not really a Redwings fan at all, and Gordie Howe was way before my time, but I mean come on, he has an awesome nickname. "Mr. Hockey" is the stuff of a legend, they literally made him the face of hockey because he was so unbelievable at it. (Source: Twitter)
Fnatic Schalke
NighT – Probability: High
One of the most talked about possible moves, NighT could soon find himself on another team. The reigning EU Rookie of the Split, NighT is highly sought after as a mid laner. Do not be surprised to find him on a team such as Team Liquid when the next split begins.
Adrian – Probability: Moderate
Once an All-Star for the NA LCS, Adrian now finds himself as a free agent after his departure from Team Liquid. While the talent is undeniable, many of Adrian's pocket power picks are currently out of the meta, and rumoured team issues may cause other teams to think twice before signing him.
Rekkles
Probability: Low A mid season slump found Rekkles pushed to the edge of retirement or leaving Fnatic once again. Once one to the more talked about players looking to move, with Fnatic's late season surge any type of trade or retirement seems highly unlikely.
LirA – Probability: Low
The most valuable member of EnVyUs's line-up , any rebuild will likely be built around him. If he didn't count as an import, LirA's value would be through the roof as one of the best junglers in NA. With limited teams that have import slots open and his immense value to NV, do not be surprised in LirA stays put.
Piglet – Probability: Moderate
After switching from ADC to mid, Piglet had an up and down season in his new role. For the upcoming split, Piglet may retire or be replaced by another import in the mid lane. If he stays with Team Liquid for next split, do not be surprised to see him move back to his former role of ADC.
FeniX – Probability: Low
The mid laner for Gold Coin United has been regarded as possibly the NA CS's best player this split. After GCU's failure to reach the LCS, he could be an option for teams looking to upgrade their mid, and who have an import slot available. Outside of Team Liquid and NV however, options are limited.
Ninja – Probability: High
Likely the most criticized member of Team EnVyUs, much of the blame for their struggles this split has fallen on Ninja. Currently occupying a valuable import slot, his performance has likely not warranted him staying with the team. Do not be surprised to see him replaced very soon.
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