Pete Carroll’s word means nothing unless Seahawks sign Colin Kaepernick

Pete Carroll should actually follow through and sign Colin Kaepernick.

The Seattle Seahawks have had several opportunities to sign Colin Kaepernick.

The first being in 2017 when Carroll referred to the then-free agent as “a starter in this league,” and in 2018, when the two sides postponed a workout after Kaepernick wouldn’t commit to standing during the Anthem moving forward.

Now, amid the George Floyd protests nationwide, Carroll continues to praise Kaepernick’s professionalism, admiring how he dealt with the hate directed his way for his silent protests of police brutality and racial inequality.

While those words surely mean a lot, especially from a highly-esteemed coach like Carroll, they’re baseless until an NFL team signs Kaepernick to a contract.

Should the Seattle Seahawks sign Colin Kaepernick?

Kaepernick hasn’t played an NFL down since 2016, so by no means will he come in and compete for a starting job, regardless of the situation.

In Seattle, he’d be battling to back up Russell Wilson, a position currently held by Geno Smith, who the Seahawks re-signed this offseason. Behind him is Anthony Gordon, a promising rookie out of Washington State. While the ‘Hawks seem to trust Smith more than most, Kaepernick’s experience in momentous games (even four years removed) would make him an intriguing target for John Schneider and Co.

The backlash from signing a figure of Kaepernick’s status is not nearly as severe as it once was, with many around the league circle acknowledging the former NFC champion was wronged. And, despite the fact that it eventually fell through, the NFL itself even helped arrange a workout for Kaep in an attempt to drop the hatchet.

Most importantly, the Seahawks lack significant experience behind Wilson, and they feature a suspect offensive line. Should anything go awry with a quarterback who likes to escape with his legs, having another athletic signal-caller on the roster to fill in can’t hurt matters.

It’s something to think about, and Carroll ought to deliver before his words ring hollow.