Ravens starting quarterback Joe Flacco has been ruled out for the first 3-6 weeks of the regular season with a lower back injury, the team announced early Thursday.
Baltimore now has two options: roll with backup quarterback Ryan Mallett (eight career starts since 2012) or sign a short term replacement in free agency. If they choose to go the latter route, former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is likely the best signal-caller still left on the open market.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Harbaugh is “interested:”
#Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters he’s been in contact with Colin Kaepernick this summer. There is interest. Depends what Kap wants
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 27, 2017
Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters today he “wouldn’t rule out” signing Colin Kaepernick with Joe Flacco dealing w/back issue
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 27, 2017
Here’s a more lengthy quote via Rapoport:
“I’ve known Colin through my brother for many years. And we talked and then got to know him very well when he scrimmaged here. He and I have been talking throughout the summer a number of times. We had some great conversations on the phone and it’s really been a pleasure to talk to him and get to know him. I like history and politics too, and we’ve had some debates, and it’s been fun. And he’s great guy. He’s a guy right now that’s being talked about. We’ll just see what happens with that. Only speculation right now. He’s a really good football player and like I said, I do believe he’ll be playing in the National Football League this year.”
Kaepernick had his most success under John’s brother Jim Harbaugh, who took the 49ers to the Super Bowl only to lose to the Ravens in 2012. In 39 starts under Jim Harbaugh, Kaepernick threw 50 touchdowns to 21 interceptions, and posted a quarterback rating of 90.7. In 11 starts last season Kaepernick threw 16 touchdowns to just four interceptions and posted a QB rating of 90.7, despite winning just one game.