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 Atlanta on Saturday to watch Kaepernick work out and to interview him. The former 49ers quarterback, who kneeled during the national anthem to protest 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 Bears were not among the list of 11 teams — the Cardinals, Falcons, Browns, Broncos, Lions, Dolphins, Patriots, Giants, Jets, Buccaneers and Redskins — the NFL said Thursday had already committed to attend. The league said it anticipates more teams to join that list.
The Bears’ union representative alternate, Amukamara said it wouldn’t be damning of quarterback Mitch Trubisky if they went.
“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.”
As an example, Amukamara said, even the Patriots — who employ star Tom Brady — are sending someone to watch.
The fact the workout is being held on a Saturday will prevent coaches from attending, while general managers might be more interested in college contests. Attendees, then, might be limited to area scouts. The league will make video of the workout available to all 32 teams.
“It’s not like the GM needs to be there or the head scout needs to be there,” Amukamara said.
The cornerback 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.”
