THINKING KAP?
Bears not on list of teams that will attend quarterback’s workout Saturday in Atlanta
Prince Amukamara isn’t sure whether to believe that Colin Kaepernick’s tryout Saturday in Atlanta is genuine or a league-orchestrated stunt.
But the Bears cornerback does know one thing.
“I think he definitely deserves to be in the league,” he said Thursday. “I think he’s a starter in this league.
“Just with the stuff that’s on social media, it’s always hard to distinguish what’s truth and what’s fact. I’ve heard that his workout is just a ploy, and I’ve heard it’s serious. I really just hope that it’s genuine and that it works out for him. I’m definitely excited for him to get a shot.”
The NFL invited all 32 teams to watch Kaepernick work out and to interview him. The Bears were not on the list of 11 teams — the Cardinals, Falcons, Browns, Broncos, Lions, Dolphins, Patriots, Giants, Jets, Buccaneers and Redskins — that the NFL said Thursday already had committed to attend. The Cowboys and Seahawks also reportedly will be there, and the league anticipates more teams attending.
Amukamara, the Bears’ union representative alternate, said it wouldn’t be insulting to quarterback Mitch Trubisky if the team sent a representative.
“Even if they did, I wouldn’t look at it as a shot at Mitch or anybody,” he said. “I feel that all teams do what’s best for them and always do their due diligence.”
The former 49ers quarterback, who knelt during the national anthem to protest social injustice, hasn’t played in a game since 2016. In March, he and Panthers safety Eric Reid settled their collusion grievances against the NFL, receiving payouts from the league.
“I think a majority would say that Colin could easily be a starter in this league for sure, especially with this season phrased, or deemed, as the season of backups and stuff like that,” Amukamara said. “Colin’s definitely not a backup.”
The fact the workout is being held on a Saturday will prevent coaches from attending, while general managers might be more interested in college games. Attendees might be limited to area scouts. The league will make video of the workout available.
Amukamara said Kaepernick signing would be good for the league.
“It’d probably bring a lot of people together,” he said. “I do feel like there’s still some hostility, but I do feel like that would bring some type of closure.”