The headline says it all. Pretty obvious, right? Surely there’s no need to explain anything here because everyone is on the same page and this isn’t a controversial topic or anything.
But seriously, hear me out.
There’s a chance the Philadelphia Eagles might need a new No. 2 quarterback. As explained yesterday, current backup Nick Foles is dealing with a lingering elbow injury that doesn’t seem to be getting any better.
After missing nearly a month of practice, Foles said he was back to 100%, only to have to miss Tuesday’s practice and Thursday’s preseason game. It’s still unclear whether or not he’ll be ready to play in the Eagles’ preseason finale against the New York Jets.
The Eagles can’t realistically cut or trade Foles this year from a financial perspective. But the team could place him on injured reserve or just keep three quarterbacks on the final roster.
Speaking of, if the Eagles do keep a third quarterback, it should not be Matt McGloin or Dane Evans. They’ve proven to be unfit to start based on what they’ve shown during training camp practices and preseason games.
Instead, the Eagles should try to find a player who actually gives them a chance to win if something happens to Carson Wentz (God forbid). Colin Kaepernick, one of the best remaining available free agents on the market at this time of year, could fit the bill.
The 29-year-old Kaepernick is 28-30 in 58 career starts. He’s completed 59.8% of his attempts for 12,271 yards (7.3 average), 72 touchdowns, 30 interceptions, and a 88.9 passer rating. As a mobile threat, he’s also rushed for 2,300 yards and 13 scores. Compare those numbers to McGloin’s: 1-6 in seven starts, 11 touchdowns to 11 interceptions, a 75.3 passer rating, and 16 career rushing yards.
Kaepernick’s obviously been a huge topic of discussion and controversy ever since he began protesting during the national anthem last season.
Some believe Kaepernick’s actions have caused him to be black-balled from the league. Two such people include Eagles wide receiver Torrey Smith, Kaepernick’s former teammate, and Philadelphia safety Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins went as far to say that NFL owners are “cowards” for not signing Kaepernick.
For those who might argue signing Kaepernick would be a “distraction” for the Eagles, that’s hard to believe when he already has some strong supporters in the locker room. He would not be the first player to generate a “media circus” in town, either. Michael Vick also drew similar reactions, and the Eagles went 11-5 in Vick’s first year with the team (as a backup).
Speaking of Vick, if Jeffrey Lurie is willing to take a chance on him, he should definitely be willing to give Kaepernick a shot. Unlike Vick, Kaepernick hasn’t actually committed any crimes. You may disagree with his protest methods, which is your right, but it’s also his right to express himself the way he has.
There’s been varying reports on whether Kaepernick is willing to be a backup. Reports indicate he was OK with backing up Russell Wilson in Seattle, but ultimately a deal didn’t get done there.
It might make sense for Kaepernick to keep waiting until a team is desperate enough for an emergency starter. The Teddy Bridgewater injury last year, for example. Or how the Dolphins recently signed Jay Cutler out of retirement to replace Ryan Tannehill. Maybe the Jacksonville Jaguars get fed up with trotting Blake Bortles (who they announced as their Week 1 starter) and Chad Henne out at quarterback. The Eagles might not be Kaepernick’s best option. But Kaepernick might be the Eagles’ best option if Foles is going to prove to be unreliable.
Look, I’m not saying that Philadelphia needs to go out and sign him today. Foles might end up being OK.
If not, however, then the Eagles will need a backup plan to replace their backup. Despite his on-field struggles in recent years, Kaepernick still likely gives the Eagles the best chance at winning if something happens to Wentz.
Unless, of course, you’d rather roll with any of these other free agent quarterback options ... Robert Griffin III, Christian Ponder, Zach Mettenberger, Aaron Murray, etc.