Colin Kaepernick could work with Kansas City Chiefs but not in 2020

The Kansas City Chiefs could be a nice home for Colin Kaepernick’s return, but not in 2020.

Colin Kaepernick, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback? Don’t dismiss the idea too quickly.

It wasn’t too long ago that the idea of Kaepernick ever playing again in the NFL was a laughable one. It seemed any chance of his return had already come and gone with a clear effort from all NFL owners to steer clear of a quarterback with more obvious talent than other candidates still employed.

From fan response to earning Donald Trump’s ire to the media drama, all 32 teams decided to ignore an obvious upgrade—whether at starter or backup—which is why Kaepernick hasn’t played a single snap since the 2016 season.

However, in recent days, the NFL has apologized publicly for its attitudes and actions in the last few years as Roger Goodell, commissioner of the league, put out the following statement on video: “We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest.”

With some of the NFL’s biggest stars speaking out in support of Black Lives Matter while taking part in protests, it’s natural to ask the question whether the door for Kaepernick’s return might be open once again. And some NFL pundits are already bringing up the Kansas City Chiefs as the ideal locale for a career resurrection.

Charles McDonald of the New York Daily News wrote the following earlier this week:

"Right now, the best situation for Kaepernick is likely one where he can sit without the pressure of being thrust into a starting role. It’s safe to say that, barring injury, no one will be starting over Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City for a long time."

Here’s what is true: Any team coached by Andy Reid is a great place for any quarterback. Patrick Mahomes is a man among boys at his position and he’s not even 25 years old. Matt Moore looked like he should have been starting for someone all this time when playing in relief of Mahomes in 2019. Alex Smith achieved his ceiling while under Reid’s tutelage, and Reid’s history prior to coming to K.C. was filled with the same success stories.

Not only can Reid handle the player but he can handle the drama. Michael Vick? No worries. Terrell Owens? Throw him in. The Chiefs have a strong organizational culture with plenty of positive leaders who would undoubtedly form a united front regarding any perceived issues while keeping the primary focus on the field.

In many ways, Colin Kaepernick as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs makes plenty of sense—just not this season.

Right now, the Chiefs as a team are focused on “running it back.” They’ve been given a very real (and very rare) chance to repeat as champions after 50 years of falling short. They’re the defending champs returning with every key component in a year in which everyone’s ability to make changes has been stifled by the coronavirus. The on-ramp for rookies and new vets alike has been largely removed, which means the Chiefs’ chemistry should only make them even more difficult to defeat one year after winning the Super Bowl.

On this team, the Chiefs already have their starting quarterback and their backup. Chad Henne has been in the locker room and playbook since 2018 and he’s already under contract. Financially, the cap-limited Chiefs already have their primary duo locked up with no real room or reason to change things up. In addition, the team has developmental arms like Jordan Ta’amu and Shea Patterson on the roster.

Moving forward, there’s no doubt that Kaepernick would be an upgrade over everyone but Mahomes among those names mentioned, but the ability to bring him into the fold has been cut short by the lack of activities at Arrowhead this offseason. Even more, the finances for a diversion from the plan at quarterback is not in the books.

Kaepernick as a Chiefs quarterback? It makes sense for the 2021 season and beyond, and if Kaep is willing to wait a bit longer, it could definitely happen. However, as a preseason addition for the upcoming year, it just doesn’t compute.