Over the past couple of days, the Baltimore Ravens have acknowledged that they have received different opinions when talking to former players, fans and sponsors about the possibility of signing free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
But the Ravens team leaders indicated Sunday that they would welcome Kaepernick with open arms into the team’s locker room.
Linebacker, Terrell Suggs, who’s the longest-tenured player on the roster told reporters:
“Hell yeah, if he’s going to help us win, we have no issues. Not in the locker room. Hell Yeah, we want him”
Ravens officials have stated that they’ve been in direct contact with Kaepernick and they are keeping the “door open” on signing him. The team’s starter, Joe Flacco is expected to be sidelined with a back injury for about a week and backup Ryan Mallett’s struggles are well documented.
Lardarius Webb, who’s been with the team also showed strong support for Kaepernick:
“I would love to have him to come challenge some other quarterbacks, We all know Joe is our guy. We love Mallett. But yeah, we all would like competition around here to make everyone better.”
Even quarterback Joe Flacco welcome’d the idea of Kaepernick joining the team:
“I would like to see Colin get back in [the NFL] and, at some point, maybe get another shot [to be a starter], I wouldn’t like that to be here. I do not want him to get another shot [to be a starter] here, but yes, he can come here and have some fun. I think it would be a good spot for him.”
Newly signed Ravens safety Tony Jefferson worked out with Colin Kaepernick during the offseason and has spoke to him a few times. Here’s what he had to say:
“Colin can play, The guy can make plays. He’s fast. He has a great arm. I would love to have him.”
But according to ESPN, there has been some backlash from fans regarding the team’s interest in Colin Kaepernick as well:
The Ravens have received a lot of phone calls since the team expressed interest in Kaepernick. On social media and local sports talk radio, fans have threatened to sell their season tickets if Baltimore signed Kaepernick.
Colin Kaepernick signing with the Ravens makes a lot of sense, his former offensive coordinator Greg Roman holds the same title with Baltimore. The team’s head coach John Harbaugh is brother’s of Colin’s former coach Jim Harbaugh. With the team’s starter dealing with a back injury and the current backup struggling, giving Colin Kaepernick a shot makes sense.
We’ll see what transpires but one thing is for sure, Kaepernick is welcome’d with open arms into the Ravens locker room…
