NFL Rumors: Carolina Panthers Mull Over Colin Kaepernick Contract; Cam Newton, Kelvin Benjamin Embrace New QB

Mar 24, 2017 04:28 AM EDT

The Carolina Panthers are expected to sign a backup quarterback following the surgeries conducted on Cam Newton. While the franchise leader and his team keep reassuring fans that he will be back in no time to once again carry them to the Super Bowl, it looks like the front office is still worried. Does this mean that the Colin Kaepernick contract linked to the Kelvin Benjamin team will finally push through?

The move of the San Francisco 49ers to release the Colin Kaepernick contract had been a significant statement to the public especially in light of the shortage of quality quarterbacks available in the market today. Despite their indecision over making Blaine Gabbert their official starter, the Carlos Hyde squad opted to risk their plays than keep the controversial quarterback. Will the Carolina Panthers pounce on this opportunity or shy away from the chance to sign him to avoid issues off the gridiron?

"The rest genuinely hate him and can't stand what he did," disclosed an unnamed AFC general manager of the zero interest on a Colin Kaepernick contract nowadays. He added, "They want nothing to do with him. They won't move on. They think showing no interest is a form of punishment. I think some teams also want to use Kaepernick as a cautionary tale to stop other players in the future from doing what he did."

Rumors are rife that despite the general belief that a Colin Kaepernick contract has no place in the league this season, some NFL teams are still reviewing the possibility of signing the former San Francisco 49ers star. Among the speculated teams interested with the troubled star are the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos. However, the Carolina Panthers are recognized as the most probable destination for Kap.

"I'll tell you the same thing I tell them: I think he's an outstanding player and I think he's a great competitor who has proven it in games and has the ability to be not only an NFL starter but a great NFL player," said Jim Harbaugh of Colin Kaepernick.

The recent issues with Cam Newton sidelined the Greg Olsen team last season with them not even named as serious Super Bowl contenders. Fans feel that the attitude and talent of Colin Kaepernick could make him a good fit to a team that many considered underdogs in the past. With the Carolina Panthers' history of giving players second chances, such as Michael Oher, fans of the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback believe that this could be the right place for him.