Kaepernick's next NFL team odds: Cowboys long shots at 50-1
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The wait for Colin Kaepernick could soon be over.
On Saturday, Kaepernick will participate in a private workout for any NFL teams that want to attend. The 32-year-old quarterback hasn't played in the league since 2016 with the San Francisco 49ers.
Signing Kaepernick - who created political controversy by kneeling during the U.S. national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality and social injustice - is a bit different than inking most free agents. But that reportedly hasn't stopped clubs from showing interest in the former starting quarterback. Will any team end his NFL hiatus this year?
Here are the odds for Kaepernick's next NFL team, with a few interesting options to highlight (odds only if signed by the end of the 2019 season):
| TEAM | ODDS |
|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals | 7-2 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 4-1 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 6-1 |
| Oakland Raiders | 7-1 |
| Carolina Panthers | 8-1 |
| Houston Texans | 10-1 |
| Chicago Bears | 12-1 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 12-1 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 15-1 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 16-1 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 20-1 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 20-1 |
| Cleveland Browns | 25-1 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 33-1 |
| New England Patriots | 50-1 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 50-1 |
Baltimore Ravens (6-1)
Baltimore would be an intriguing fit for so many reasons. Kaepernick found much of his NFL success under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who has since turned Lamar Jackson into the most productive running quarterback since ... well, Kaepernick.
If he's game-ready, Kaepernick is arguably the best option to back up Jackson, especially in the pistol offense, which Kaepernick maximized beginning with his time under scheme engineer Chris Ault at Nevada. If the free agent is willing to take a backup gig, there may be no better landing spot.
Carolina Panthers (8-1)
The Panthers have already cleared the bar of political hesitation by signing and supporting former 49ers safety Eric Reid, who kneeled alongside Kaepernick during the 2016 season and has continued to do so in Carolina. Reid and Kaepernick are close friends and split the settlement from the NFL's collusion lawsuit earlier this year, even though Kaepernick's name stole the headlines.
The Panthers also have a potential quarterback problem, with Cam Newton done for the year and Kyle Allen regressing after his hot start. Carolina's coaching staff turned a run-heavy quarterback into an NFL MVP in 2015, so Kaepernick's skill set could find a comfortable home in Charlotte.
Chicago Bears (12-1)
The Bears don't have the on-field scheme or the off-field familiarity that the two aforementioned teams can offer, but they need a quarterback. Like, really bad. Chicago has wasted a stout defense and a versatile running-back committee due to horrific play from QBs Mitchell Trubisky and Chase Daniel.
Coach Matt Nagy was coy about whether his team would send a representative to Kaepernick's workout, but he did call the quarterback a "weapon." Could the Bears employ that weapon to try and save their season?
San Francisco 49ers (16-1)
The 49ers are certainly familiar with Kaepernick, who led the team to its most recent playoff berth in 2013-14 and its only Super Bowl appearance this century. Niners CEO Jed York previously supported Kaepernick's kneeling and said his organization didn't tell other teams to avoid signing the quarterback.
That doesn't mean the 49ers will rush to sign Kaepernick to back up Jimmy Garoppolo amid an 8-1 run. Still, the QB would likely be welcomed with open arms by fans from San Francisco if the Niners decide on a reunion.
Dallas Cowboys (50-1)
This may seem like an odd fit. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones once suggested that any player who "disrespects" the flag wouldn't play, and he dismissed the idea of signing Kaepernick in 2017. Yet Dallas has shown interest in Kaepernick's workout and will send at least one representative to watch, a source told ESPN's Josina Anderson.
At 50-1, there are certainly worse long-shot bets than this one, especially considering the tenuous contract negotiations between the Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott, whose deal will expire after this season. Even if he's only a leverage play, Kaepernick could find a new home with an unlikely suitor.
C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.