After hosting Colin Kaepernick and Austin Davis for free-agent visits, the Seahawks signed the less-accomplished quarterback Monday.
Three days after Seattle head coach Pete Carroll said Kaepernick is a starting-caliber QB, the Seahawks signed Davis, 28, who has made 10 starts since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2012. Davis hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass since the 2015 season.
On Friday, Carroll, who routinely talks up the value of competition, seemed to suggest the Seahawks weren’t planning to sign Kaepernick, 29, because he was overqualified to serve as a backup to Russell Wilson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
“(Kaepernick is) a starter in this league,” Carroll said. “And we have a starter.”
Carroll’s explanation prompted speculation that the Seahawks didn’t sign Kaepernick because he was seeking starter-level compensation. However, Kaepernick’s retweeted a message today from Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman, who said: “The story that Kaepernick isn’t being signed because of his salary demands is a lie. It’s a straight up lie.”
Last year, Kaepernick threw 16 touchdowns and four interceptions, posted his best passer rating (90.7) since 2013 and ranked second among QBs in rushing yards (468). He also ranked 26th in completion percentage (59.2) and 24th in yards per attempt (6.8).
On Friday, Carroll said “that’s not my issue” when asked if he thought Kaepernick’s decision to kneel for the national anthem last year was the reason he remained a free agent. The Seahawks are the only team to host Kaepernick for a visit since free agency began nearly three months ago.
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