The Denver Broncos are facing a quarterback dilemma after losing starter Bo Nix to a season-ending ankle injury just before the AFC Championship game. While Jarrett Stidham is set to take over as the starter, CBS Sports analyst John Breech floated a surprising suggestion: the Broncos should consider giving Colin Kaepernick a call.
The Case for Colin Kaepernick To The Denver Broncos
Kaepernick, who last played in the NFL in 2016, has remained a polarizing figure in football. Despite being out of the league for nearly a decade, Breech argued that Kaepernick’s big-game experience could make him a viable option for the Broncos in their desperate situation.
“The only reason Kaepernick is on this list is because he’s one of the rare older guys who actually wants to return,” Breech wrote. “As recently as August 2024, Kaepernick said he was staying in shape in hopes of getting a call from an NFL team.”
During his six-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, Kaepernick led the team to two NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance. He also holds the NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a playoff game, with 181 yards. Breech acknowledged that at 38 years old, Kaepernick has likely lost a step, but he suggested that “desperate times call for desperate measures.”
Kaepernick’s Continued Push for an NFL Return
Kaepernick has consistently expressed his desire to return to the NFL. In 2024, he told Sky Sports, “We’re still training, still pushing. Hopefully, we’ve just got to get one of these team owners to open up.” He added, “It’s something I’ve trained my whole life for. I think I could bring a lot to a team and help them win a championship.”
Despite his efforts, Kaepernick has not received an opportunity to return to the league, and his name remains a topic of debate whenever quarterback vacancies arise.
Why a Kaepernick Comeback Is Unlikely
While the idea of Colin Kaepernick joining the Broncos is intriguing, it’s highly unlikely to materialize. The quarterback has been out of the league for nearly a decade, and the NFL game has evolved significantly during that time. The physical and mental demands of stepping into a high-stakes playoff game after such a long absence would be monumental.
Additionally, the Denver Broncos have already signed veteran Ben DiNucci as an emergency option and appear committed to moving forward with Stidham as their starter. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton expressed confidence in Stidham, saying, “I have no doubt in my mind that Jarrett is gonna be ready to go play.”
My Take: It’s Simply Been Too Long
While I understand the points made by Breech, the reality is that it’s been far too long since Kaepernick last played in the NFL. The league has changed, and the speed and complexity of the game would present a steep learning curve for someone who hasn’t taken a snap in nearly 10 years. Even with his past accomplishments and big-game experience, the odds of Kaepernick being able to step in and perform at a high level are slim.
The Broncos’ best course of action is to focus on the players currently on their roster and explore more realistic options if additional depth is needed. While Kaepernick’s story remains compelling, the window for his NFL comeback has likely closed.
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