While no team has expressed interest in quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the past months, his No. 7 jersey remains popular among fans. According to NFL Shop, Kaepernick is 17th in terms of jersey sales last month, beating even Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller, Atlanta Falcons quarterback #Matt Ryan and wide receiver #Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys.
He also led Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Jason Witten of the Cowboys, Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and running back Adrian Peterson.
Comebacking Marshawn Lynch of the Oakland Raiders topped the list while quarterbacks Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Dak Prescott of the Cowboys placed second and third, respectively.
The development was a surprise since Kaepernick has been looking for work in the past three months since he opted out of his deal with the San Francisco 49ers. He left $14.5 million on the table to become a free agent and test the market. There was no interest for Kaepernick, even from quarterback-needy teams, a development seen by many as backlash for his kneeling during the playing of national anthem before games as protest against social injustice in the country.
Several days ago, Kaepernick was expected to sign with the Seahawks after he met with the team.
However, the Seahawks opted to sign Austin Davis to compete with Trevone Boykin as possible backup to Wilson.
Kaepernick, Seahawks far apart on money?
Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reported that Seahawks and Kaepernick were "apart on money" in terms of contract value. However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk later clarified that the Seahawks did not sign Kaepernick as backup because of his caliber as starting quarterback.
Kaepernick passed for 2,241 yards and 16 touchdowns and four interceptions and tallied 468 ground yards and two touchdowns in 12 games with the 49ers.
Richard Sherman believes Kaepernick being blackballed
Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman believes that Kaepernick is being blackballed by NFL teams due to his protest last season.
Sherman said some quarterbacks who are inferior compared to Kaepernick’s ability, are being signed while the former 49ers signal-caller is still looking for work.
Before Sherman’s statement, New York Giants team owner John Mara declared that he never considered signing Kaepernick due to fear of backlash from fans, saying he “never received more emotional mail from people than I did about this issue”. Last season, the Jets made a controversial move by signing kicker Josh Brown to a new deal despite his arrest for domestic violence. The Giants released Brown after he admitted to abusing his wife.
