Kaepernick, who would turn 39 in November, has said he continues to train as if another opportunity could come, telling a reporter at a Detroit event that he still believes he can play in the NFL and is waiting for a chance.
The discussion has touched on Atlanta’s quarterback situation, with the suggestion that the city—often described as a “Black city” in this context—could be in need of a new option at the position. Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since 2016, the year his national anthem protests drew widespread attention.
Kaepernick spent six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and was released in 2017 after a protest-related controversy. When then-head coach Kyle Shanahan brought in an offense that did not seem to fit his skill set, Kaepernick opted out of his contract and entered free agency at the start of the new league year, but no team pursued him extensively. An offseason and training camp passed without calls from teams, and a visit from Seattle in May 2017 did not lead to a signing. Nearly a decade later, he remains on the outside looking in.
The current speculation about a possible move to Atlanta partly stems from the Falcons’ ongoing quarterback issues. On the eve of a matchup against Pittsburgh, starter Tua Tagovailoa sustained an oblique injury in practice, while backup options faced their own hurdles. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush, stepping in for the first team, was working under a new head coach, with another rookie quarterback still in development.
Rush resumed first-team reps as Tagovailoa worked through practice limitations, while rookie Jack Strand remained in development. The Falcons were defeated 20-13 at Acrisure Stadium, a result that left fans frustrated. Questions swirled about why Strand wasn’t given an opportunity and when Penix and Tagovailoa would be back on the field.
Rush, who completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, a touchdown, and threw two interceptions—including a fourth-quarter pick-six from T.J. Watt—felt encouraged simply to be playing, even as he acknowledged the performance could have been better. His coach emphasized that Rush had “battled,” but needed more support from the team. A game with nine penalties for 96 yards and two turnovers did not help the offense, though the defense performed admirably.
While a Kaepernick comeback remains a long shot, the Falcons and their fans face urgent questions about the quarterback situation. If Atlanta hopes to prevent its season from slipping away, a decisive change at the position may be necessary soon.
