Ray Lewis: “We were going to close the deal to sign [Colin Kaepernick]”

The Baltimore Ravens found themselves embroiled in the Colin Kaepernick saga this offseason. With an injury to starting quarterback Joe Flacco, many pointed to former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick as the perfect replacement.

Things didn't get any less divisive as the Baltimore's backup quarterback Ryan Mallett failed to impress in training camp, posting up a five interception day at one point. However, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti dove further into the idea by talking with current and former players to see how Kaepernick would be handled in the locker room. Chief among them was former linebacker Ray Lewis.

On Showtime's 'Inside The NFL' Lewis opened up about the discussions he had with Bisciotti and just how close Kaepernick was to being on Baltimore's roster. That is, according to Lewis, if Kaepernick's girlfriend didn't blast the organization on Twitter.

When me and Steve Bisciotti were talking, this is what we were talking about, Judy. We were talking about giving this kid an opportunity to get back in the National Football League. Look, this is what I wanted to share with people. I have been fighting for this kid behind the table like nobody has… I’ve never been against Colin Kaepernick. But I am against the way he’s done it.

Then, his girl [Colin Kaepernick’s girlfriend] goes out and put out this racist gesture and doesn’t know we are in the back office about to try to get this guy signed. Steve Bisciotti has said it himself, ‘How can you crucify Ray Lewis when Ray Lewis is the one calling for Colin Kaepernick?’…

When they (Ravens) called me, it was to say, ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ … We were going to close the deal to sign him… Steve Bisciotti said, ‘I want to hear Colin Kaeperkick speak to let me know that he wants to play football.’… And it never happens because that picture comes up the next day.

The image Lewis refers to is a side-by-side set of Lewis with Bisciotti, set against the film, “Django Unchained” characters Calvin Candie and Stephen, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson respectively.

The Ravens have not signed Kaepernick and stuck with Mallett. On Saturday, Flacco returned to practice and looks like he will indeed be ready for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.