3 teams with no excuse for not signing Colin Kaepernick
Another long-term injury to a quarterback Sunday opened up yet another potential landing spot for free-agent signal-caller Colin Kaepernick as an emergency recruit.
Through the NFL's first seven weeks, three teams that have enough talent to make the playoffs and contend for a Super Bowl are left with gaping holes at the most important position, and need to resort to the only available option for a significant in-season upgrade.
Kaepernick, who is currently suing the NFL owners, is still the best free-agent quarterback and has more to offer than nearly all backups who may currently be available via trade. In six seasons, he completed 59.8 percent of his passes and threw 72 touchdowns to a reasonable 30 interceptions while adding 13 scores on the ground.
Due to the focus on contending in 2017, the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns are excluded from this list of teams that should sign him, since their attention's likely focused on the opposite end of the standings this season.
Arizona Cardinals
With 37-year-old Carson Palmer set to miss the next eight weeks, the 3-4 Cardinals need to address both their 2017 prospects and their long-term outlook at the position.
Backup Drew Stanton completed just 5 of 14 pass attempts for 62 yards in relief of Palmer against the Los Angeles Rams, and he has a career completion percentage of 53.2 in 33 games.
Related: Arians announces Stanton will start with Palmer out 8 weeks
The Cardinals are only two games back of the Rams in a wide-open NFC West, and need to address the quarterback position - with or without Palmer - in order to make the push.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers' first game with Brett Hundley under center made Aaron Rodgers' projected return date seem a whole lot further away.
The third-year backup went 12-for-25 for 87 yards and one interception against the New Orleans Saints. His 44 rushing yards and score on the ground did little to evoke confidence he's capable of sustained adequate play.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos haven't topped 16 points in a single game since Week 2, and are coming off a shutout loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers - the first time Denver's been shut out since 1992.
Trevor Siemian has been at the root of the offensive stagnation, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. He also hasn't thrown multiple touchdowns in a game since tossing four in Week 2.
Once the Kansas City Chiefs' top competition in the AFC West, the Broncos now have as many wins as the Chargers and Oakland Raiders, and are trending in the opposite direction.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)