Colin Kaepernick at a Glance
Colin Kaepernick is a former NFL quarterback best known for his six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and for kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice. Since becoming a free agent in 2017, he has not appeared in an NFL game, though he remains a prominent figure in conversations about protest, activism, and league policy. The question of a Kaepernick to Raiders connection arises because the Raiders have been one of the most visible teams linked to him in speculation and media coverage, yet he has not signed with the franchise.
Kaepernick’s Early Career and Rise
Kaepernick played college football at the University of Nevada, Reno, and was selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He served as a backup during his first two seasons before taking over as starter in 2013. That year, he led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII, where they lost to the Baltimore Ravens. Between 2011 and 2016, he recorded 11,373 passing yards, 73 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions while rushing for an additional 1,647 yards and 10 scores.
Timeline of Key Performance Stats
| Season | Team | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | TD | Int | Rush Yds | Rush TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | SF | 15 | 28 | 53.6 | 237 | 0 | 2 | 38 | 1 |
| 2013 | SF | 227 | 395 | 57.5 | 2,940 | 18 | 10 | 230 | 2 |
| 2014 | SF | 233 | 440 | 52.9 | 3,228 | 19 | 10 | 223 | 4 |
| 2015 | SF | 239 | 408 | 58.6 | 2,740 | 18 | 8 | 243 | 2 |
| 2016 | SF | 252 | 418 | 60.3 | 2,940 | 12 | 4 | 238 | 6 |
| 2012 | SF | 6 | 13 | 46.2 | 67 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
The Free Agency and Grievance Context
In March 2017, Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL under the league’s collective bargaining agreement, alleging collusion by team owners to keep him out of the league. He became an unrestricted free agent after the 2016 season and remained unsigned through multiple reporting cycles. Teams have cited various factors in their decisions, including concerns about distractions, quarterback depth, and the legal complexities of his grievance. The grievance was ultimately settled in 2019, though he has not signed with an NFL team since.
Why the Raiders Often Enter the Conversation
The Raiders have appeared in media speculation as a potential destination for Kaepernick, particularly during periods when the team sought a veteran quarterback or when discussions around protest activism and locker-room dynamics surfaced. Las Vegas ownership has also signaled openness to socially conscious players. Nevertheless, no official connection, workout, or agreement between Kaepernick and the Raiders has ever been confirmed by either party or league sources.
Quick Comparison: Media Speculation vs. Verified Activity
- Speculation: Reports from outlets and analysts occasionally link Kaepernick to the Raiders during quarterback searches.
- Workouts/Visits: No verified public workouts or official visits with the Raiders have been documented.
- Signing: Kaepernick has not signed any NFL contract, including with the Raiders, since becoming a free agent.
- Grievance Status: Settled in 2019, but he remains unsigned and out of the league.
On-Field Profile and Playing Style
Kaepernick is a dual-threat quarterback who combined arm talent with the ability to extend plays with his legs. During his peak years (2013–2016), he was among the league’s most efficient passers and an above-average rusher for a quarterback. His playing style favored improvisation, designed runs, and quick releases, which made him effective in both vertical and zone-heavy schemes.
Off-Field Impact and Activism
Kaepernick’s kneeling during the national anthem, which began in 2016, sparked widespread debate about free speech, race, and patriotism in sports. His actions led to the formation of the #TakeAKnee movement and influenced league policies around anthem demonstrations. Off the field, he has committed millions to organizations focused on racial equality, police accountability, and criminal justice reform.
Current Status and Legacy Considerations
As of the latest available information, Kaepernick remains unsigned and not affiliated with any NFL team. He has participated in voluntary workouts for select teams but has not reached a formal agreement. His legacy is frequently discussed in the context of athlete activism, quarterback play, and the intersection of sports and social change. The Raiders connection persists largely as speculative narrative rather than an active, factual link.