Should the Baltimore Ravens sign Colin Kaepernick?

Joe Flacco is out 3-6 weeks, according to multiple reports, and Ravens Nation is in a frenzy. One scenario is Baltimore going with their backup quarterback, Ryan Mallett. Another scenario is signing a free agent out there.

This suggestion may rub some the wrong way, but that someone could be free agnet QB Colin Kaepernick. Yes, the same Kaepernick that took a knee during the national anthem, wore socks that depicted police officers as pigs and started a protest against police brutality.

However, beyond any of his protests, Kaepernick has been a successful quarterback in the past. In 2012, Kaepernick led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl against the Ravens. He would lose that game, but he put the league on notice with his athletic ability and arm strength.

For the 2013 and 2014 seasons, Kaepernick would pass for 3,000+ and rush for 500+ yards apiece. In 2013, Kaepernick led his 49ers to the playoffs for a second consecutive year, meeting the future Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. The following season, Kaepernick finished the season 8-8 and his head coach Jim Harbaugh went to the University of Michigan to coach. For the past two seasons, Kaepernick has struggled with injury and fighting for his starting position.

The question with making a decision that would rock the organization is this: Can he be a productive player in Baltimore’s organization?

Pros

• He’s played for a Harbaugh brother in the past.
• Ravens senior offensive assistant and tight ends coach Greg Roman was Kaepernick’s offensive coordinator during his productive run in San Francisco.
• Kaepernick is fully recovered from his left shoulder injury.
• He has had much more success in the NFL than current Ravens backup Ryan Mallett. When Flacco is healthy, he could provide an insurance policy.
• His activism hasn’t just been about protests. Kaepernick has been able make donations to aid communities in the United States and abroad.

Cons

• His history of protests could make for a contentious experience within the organization.
• The fan base could be divided in how they view him
• He was riddled with a shoulder injury that caused him to miss time in 2015 and lose his starting position to Blaine Gabbert.
• Kaepernick hasn’t played in Marty Morhinweig’s system, which relies on short throws to open up the deep passing game.