Is the Seahawks' locker room strong enough to include Kaepernick?

The Seattle Seahawks have long been viewed as one of the NFL's tightest teams. With head coach Pete Carroll showcasing enthusiasm befitting a man much younger than his 65 years, from the outside looking in, it appeared the Seahawks owned a structurally sound foundation.

Then came the bombshell this week from ESPN's Seth Wickersham that cracks are forming within the Seahawks' house. Sources informed Wickersham that cornerback Richard Sherman has yet to let go of Seattle's crushing Super Bowl XLIX loss in 2014, that the defense believes quarterback Russell Wilson has been given a pass, and that the team's offense isn't being held to the same high standards as its marquee unit.

In light of such revelations, would the Seahawks be an appropriate fit for free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick? The high-profile quarterback met with Seattle this week, but left town without a contract. It's been reported that Kaepernick would like to join the team. Are the Seahawks a cohesive enough unit to bring aboard the attention and criticism that comes with Kaepernick?

Sherman and defensive end Michael Bennett have since dismissed Wickersham's report as just noise. Bennett has also gone on record welcoming the addition of Kaepernick.

Last season, Kaepernick appeared to draw as much vitriol as he did praise for taking a stand against racial injustice and kneeling during the national anthem before games. The act was supported by individual players around the league, and it was expanded upon by the Seahawks, who began linking arms during "The Star-Spangled Banner" on Sept. 11.

Considering their support of Kaepernick's message, the Seahawks were thought to be the perfect home to foster the free agent.

The former San Francisco 49er certainly has his share of detractors. Should he sign with Seattle, he'll likely be stapled to the bench as Wilson's backup. Nonetheless, Kaepernick will still draw the majority of the attention wherever he goes next.

Will the Seahawks be able to handle any more negative publicity? Two seasons removed from their last Super Bowl appearance and after two years in which their season ended in the divisional round, Seattle's championship window remains open. Anything that takes away from their pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy may not be worth pursuing.

While Kaepernick may fit with Seattle's offensive personnel and philosophy, and would add another strong voice to the Seahawks' locker room, the Hawks may have to get their house in order before taking on the burdens of others.