Ravens president says team has been in 'direct discussions' with Kaepernick

Might the most controversial free-agent case in recent memory soon be coming to an end?

Further establishing the connection between the Baltimore Ravens and Colin Kaepernick, team president Dick Cass revealed the two sides have been in "direct discussions" about a possible signing, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun.

Cass also expressed a belief of Kaepernick wanting to play, adding that the team is in the process of making a decision on the matter.

The comments from a high-ranking team official, following up several days of the logical speculation that followed news of Joe Flacco's back injury, can only be considered a positive for Kaepernick's prospects.

Or at least that appeared to be the case for a few moments.

Perhaps slowing the apparent momentum established with Cass' comments, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said as part of the same media availability Sunday that he did not like Kaepernick's national anthem protests and isn't sure the quarterback would help his team win games.

Head coach John Harbaugh initially indicated there was interest from the Ravens, but clarified Friday that decision-makers were still determining whether it was even necessary to make an addition in wake of what's thought to be a minor injury to Flacco.

Kaepernick, a longtime starter for the San Francisco 49ers, has remained unsigned for the entire offseason. The lack of interest in his services has sparked controversy about whether teams are staying away as a direct result of the protests Bisciotti referenced.

Cass even confirmed that public perception may be a factor in the Ravens' decision, noting that they're reaching out to fans and sponsors about the matter.

Kaepernick threw for 2,241 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just four interceptions across 11 starts in his final season with the 49ers last year.