Colin Kaepernick is no longer a member of the San Francisco 49ers, but new general manager John Lynch has some simple advice for the unemployed quarterback.
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Lynch appeared on KNBR and said Kaepernick needs to prove to teams and his colleagues around the league that he is committed to playing football first and foremost.
"I think the way you could best help yourself is not to have someone talk for you, not have statements, but go sit down and give an interview and let people know where you stand because he makes a compelling case as to how bad he wants to be in the league when you talk to him," Lynch said via Pro Football Talk.
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Lynch said he told Kaepernick himself that there is a perception around the league that football isn't at the top of his priorities, and it needs to be given he is the leader of the team.
"I would tell you with my conversations with Colin, he is fully committed to wanting to be in this league," Lynch said. "I gave that opinion to Colin myself: 'I think you are having a little bit of an image crisis in terms of, not so much what you did last year, but people are wondering: Is this most important to you?'"
Training camp inches closer and closer, and Kaepernick is still without a job. It's unclear whether he'd want to accept a backup quarterback position or a backup salary, but that might be his only option if he really wants to play next season.
The teams with unproven starters—such as the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, and New York Jets—are likely going to give young quarterbacks a chance. And the teams competing for the Super Bowl and playoffs spots are mostly set at quarterback for now.
The situation could change between now and September. An injury could give Kaepernick a chance, or he might decide to take a backup position. But for now, the waiting game continues.
(h/t Pro Football Talk)
