Colin Kaepernick's Current NFL Status
As of now, Colin Kaepernick is not an active player in the NFL and has been a free agent since leaving the league in 2017. He has not signed with any team or participated in an NFL offseason program since his final contract option was declined in March 2018. While he remains eligible to sign, no team has offered him a contract, and he has not engaged in formal on-field workouts that would signal an imminent return. This status page outlines his contractual timeline, the league investigation, and the ongoing discussions about his impact on policy and culture.
Contract Timeline and Key Dates
2013–2017: Transition and Protest
Kaepernick entered the NFL as a draft-eligible quarterback in 2011 and served as the primary starter for the San Francisco 49ers from 2012 to 2014. In 2016, he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, which intensified media and league scrutiny. In 2017, he opted out of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent.
2018: Contract Window and Decision
In March 2018, the 49ers declined the final year of his contract, making him a free agent. Kaepernick did not sign with another team that offseason and filed a grievance against the NFL in May 2018, alleging collusion among owners to keep him out of the league. The grievance was ultimately withdrawn in 2022, and he has not resumed negotiations since.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | On-field kneeling during national anthem begins | Sparked national debate over protest, policing, and free speech in sports |
| March 2017 | Becomes unrestricted free agent after 2016 season | Open to sign with any team, but interest declines amid controversy |
| March 2018 | 49ers decline 2018 contract option; Kaepernick enters free agency | No team signs him that offseason; he files a collusion grievance |
| 2018 | NFL launches investigation and proposes policy changes | Leads to revised anthem and social justice policies, though no direct rehiring occurs |
| 2022 | Kaepernick withdraws collusion grievance | Ending formal legal action while maintaining public advocacy |
The NFL Investigation and Policy Shifts
In 2018, under commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioned an independent investigation led by former attorney general Jeff Sessions and lawyer Andrew McLaren to review league operations and policies. The resulting report led to adjustments in how the league handles national anthem protests, including allowing players to stay in the locker room during the anthem and emphasizing social justice initiatives. Kaepernick was not rehired, and the policy changes did not include a pathway for his return to playing.
Policy Changes Resulting from the Investigation
- Players may remain in the locker room during the national anthem without penalty.
- League-wide commitment to social justice funding and community programs.
- Updated on-field conduct expectations, though anthem-related discipline has been minimized.
Legal and Public Context
Kaepernick’s grievance alleged that owners colluded to exclude him from NFL opportunities, a claim that drew widespread public attention but did not result in legal liability for the league. Multiple NFL executives and former players have commented publicly, with some supporting his right to protest and others emphasizing the importance of on-field performance and team cohesion. His public statements since 2022 have focused on continued activism, media projects, and reinforcing that his focus remains outside of traditional playing roles.
Legacy and Influence
Kaepernick’s on-field performance and decision to kneel reshaped conversations about athlete activism, labor rights, and the intersection of sports and politics. Although he has not returned to playing, his influence persists in league policies, team approaches to social justice, and ongoing public debates about protest in professional sports.
While his playing career remains on hold, his impact on the cultural and structural landscape of the NFL is widely acknowledged. This status overview reflects his current standing and the historical context that continues to define his relationship with the league.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can Colin Kaepernick still sign with an NFL team?
Yes, he remains eligible to sign as an unrestricted free agent, but no team has pursued him since 2018. The absence of roster openings and the league culture around anthem protests contribute to the ongoing lack of interest from front offices.
Why did Kaepernick leave the NFL?
He opted out of his contract in 2017 to become a free agent. After not receiving offers in the 2018 offseason, he filed a collusion grievance, alleging that team owners worked together to keep him out of the league. He withdrew that grievance in 2022 and has not returned to playing.
What was the result of the NFL’s investigation?
The investigation led to policy changes regarding anthem protests and social justice initiatives. It did not result in a determination that teams had colluded, nor did it lead to any on-field role for Kaepernick.
Has Kaepernick participated in NFL events or workouts since 2018?
There have been no official offseason workouts or tryouts with any NFL team since 2018. He has remained publicly engaged through activism and media work but has not taken part in league-organized activities aimed at evaluating his playing ability.