Colin Kaepernick asked Jets to join practice squad after Aaron Rodgers injury

According to a letter shared by rapper J. Cole, Colin Kaepernick approached the Jets about a spot on their practice squad after fellow quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles tear.

On Sept. 21, Kaepernick allegedly sent the letter to Jets general manager Joe Douglas, claiming that his “sole mission” would be to help prepare the Jets defense in practice, with his mobility mimicking that of upcoming opponents Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Jalen Hurts.

“In a perfect world for the Jets, Zach Wilson finds his stride and shows that he is capable of leading this championship caliber team that you’ve put together to the Super Bowl,” J. Cole writes in the letter, which he posted on Instagram. “I think a confident Zach Wilson has the tools to pull this off.” However, if this is not the case, I would be delighted to offer you a risk-free backup plan.”

Kaepernick, 35, has not played in the NFL since 2016. That year, the then-San Francisco 49ers star knelt before games during the national anthem to protest racial injustice in America.

According to the letter to the Jets, Kaepernick never retired and has continued to train during the week for the past six years. Last season, he worked out for the Las Vegas Raiders but did not sign a contract.

“Worst case scenario, you see what I have to offer and you’re not that impressed,” the letter begins. “Best case scenario, you realize you have a real weapon at your disposal in the event you ever need to use it.”

Rodgers, who the Jets acquired from the Green Bay Packers in the offseason, played four snaps in Week 1 before suffering the injury. Since taking over for Rodgers, Wilson, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft, has thrown two touchdowns and four interceptions.

Rodgers was critical of teammates who had outbursts on the sideline during Sunday’s loss to the Patriots during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday. Rodgers stated that the Jets need to “grow up a little bit on offense” after seeing Garrett Wilson and Michael Carter express frustration.

The Jets signed veteran Trevor Siemian to their practice squad this week, their first quarterback move since Rodgers, 39, was injured.

Chad Henne, Mahomes’ backup for two Super Bowls with the Chiefs, recently told the Reading Eagle that he turned down a Jets offer and will remain retired. Matt Ryan, a CBS Sports commentator, also said he has “no interest” in a Jets job after Fox Sports reported the team was passing on him and Carson Wentz.

Kaepernick played for the 49ers for parts of five seasons, passing for 72 touchdowns against 30 interceptions and rushing for another 13. In 2013, he led San Francisco to the Super Bowl and the NFC Championship Game the following year.

According to J. Cole, Kaepernick was initially “reluctant” to let him share the letter.

“My argument was that I believe the people and all organizations should know the truth about how hard he works and how much he still wants to play,” the post was captioned by J. Cole. “And it has always done so. Finally, he agreed to let me.”