Detroit Lions: Why sign Matt Cassel over Colin Kaepernick?

So now that we have established that Kaepernick is available and why he is available, the question remains; should the Lions have signed him instead of Matt Cassel?

When we compare the two players, there is a decided difference between them. Kaepernick is younger, more talented and has more versatility. However, Cassel played last year and did participate in a couple of games unlike Kaepernick who has been working out, but hasn’t had the benefit of actually playing for a team in over a year.

Meanwhile there is the decided media attention, for the good or bad, that any team who signs Kaepernick would garner.

Obviously when you weigh all the aspects behind signing Kaepernick, it doesn’t make it an easy path for any NFL franchise. Yet here is a talented player with starting experience who could clearly make a difference if given some playing time.

As a matter of fact, the truth is that he is still better than many of the starting quarterbacks in the league today.

Some will say they would rather see the Lions lose games if Stafford were to be injured than to have the reins turned over to Kaepernick. Other would be happy to see a talented quarterback coming off the bench who would have the ability to win games for Detroit.

Just as Kaepernick is entitled to his opinion, so are each team and the fans as to whether they would like to see him as part of their franchise.

In Detroit, the Lions have made their decision. They prefer Matt Cassel. This means that Colin Kaepernick’s journey to find a home in the NFL will continue.

Next: Lions NFL draft 3.0: 7-rounds, beyond the mock

It also means that the Detroit Lions, unless they make another move at the quarterback position, will cross their fingers that Matthew Stafford will continue to remain healthy, keeping Matt Cassel on the bench.