LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers walks through the tunnel before taking on the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 25, 2013 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

A team has no interest in Colin Kaepernick and hints at the reason why

A head coach speaks out.

The Colin Kaepernick freeze out continues.

The Detroit Lions have said publicly they have no interest in Colin Kaepernick, even though they have no veteran quarterback backup to Matthew Stafford. Behind Stafford — who has thrown for more than 30,000  yards in his career — the Lions have Jake Rudock, a 6th-round pick in 2016 the team once waived, and Brad Kaaya, a 6th-round pick this year.

RELATED: One team is showing some interest in Colin Kaepernick.

Head coach Jim Caldwell told the Detroit Free Press he has the players he wants at that position, but then said something curious when discussing Kaepernick:

"But I don't think there's any question he's capable. ... So, I don't think that his skill level has diminished to the point where he would be completely ineffective in this league, so we'll see."

So, if Kaepernick still has the skills to play in a quarterback needy league; and players far inferior like Ryan Fitzpatrick have already signed backup deals; what's the problem?

Remember, Kaepernick spearheaded the national anthem protests, and some in the league who were opposed to his actions haven't forgotten that. Caldwell didn't say that's the reason he isn't interested in Kaepernick, but if he has the skills, what else could it be? Going with two young, marginal backups seems like a real gamble.