The quarterback position has alluded the Cleveland Browns for a long time. Heading into the 2017 season, it’s the most obvious glaring hole on the roster with only Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan as the only signal callers on the roster.

I know Brock Osweiler is technically on the roster but I’m not expecting that by the time training camp rolls around in July. 

I think it’s obvious they’ll draft one at some point during the NFL draft in April but I think they should also consider bringing in a veteran through free agency. When you look at the list of available quarterbacks, it isn’t pretty.

• Jay Cutler
• Ryan Fitzpatrick
• Robert Griffin III
• Josh McCown 

And then there’s Colin Kaepernick….

The six year veteran is sitting out there on the open market and you’d think he’d have some suitors with his size, arm strength and playmaking ability with his legs. 

So far, NFL teams have stayed away from his services because of what Kaepernick did last season off the field. 

He of course started a media firestorm with his choosing to kneel during the national anthem as a form of protest for his opinion of the country’s behavior towards African Americans and other non-white races.

While performing his act of protest, Kaepernick vowed to donate $1 million of his salary to organizations who are against racial oppression. 

Last week, he helped raise money for an airplane to help deliver food, water and aid to the country of Somalia which is effecting six million people.

The 49ers started quarterback Blaine Gabbert over Kaepernick after a preseason competition between the two. Kaepernick replaced Gabbert as the starter in Week 6 against Buffalo and would start every game for the rest of the season.

In 12 games (11 starts), he completed 59.2% of his attempts for 2,241 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also ran for 468 yards and two touchdowns. He posted a 1-10 record as a starter.

The 49ers voted to give him the “Len Eshmont Award” which is given to the player on the team who “best exemplifies the inspiration and courageous play of Len Eshmont, an original member of the 1946 49ers.”

I know people are going to ask why do I think the Browns should bring him in. Here’s why:

The Browns should continue to search every avenue to find a quarterback. Whether it’s free agency, a trade or through the draft, look for a quarterback.

Kaepernick was tied to the team last offseason as head coach Hue Jackson was looking for a quarterback, going as far as to offering a third round pick in a trade. After being unwilling to restructure his contract, Kaepernick stayed in San Francisco and the Browns brought in Robert Griffin III.

Jackson has always been a fan of Kaepernick since he was a prospect in the 2011 draft when Jackson was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders. Raiders owner Al Davis did not give up enough in a trade up and San Francisco moved up and selected the quarterback. 

Hue Jackson now has an opportunity to bring in Kaepernick and see what he’s got left and what he could do to potentially make Kaepernick a better quarterback. Letting Kaepernick and Kessler compete for the starting job could also buy time for the rookie they potentially select.

Bringing in a veteran like Kaepernick wouldn’t rule out the Browns drafting a quarterback early like Mitchell Trubisky or Deshaun Watson. Kaepernick has been durable throughout his career and letting the rookie sit behind Kaepernick and Kessler for a season would be the best possible scenario for whomever they select.

Now obviously a move like this would have to be run by owner Jimmy Haslam. He’s had major distractions during his tenure as owner and he may not want Kaepernick in Cleveland as it will bring another media scrum like he’s had with Johnny Manziel and his Pilot Flying J scandal.

But if I’m the Browns, I say screw the media and the potential firestorm that could come to Cleveland again and bring in the best veteran on the free agent quarterback market and see what he can do. It won’t cost the team a significant amount of money and if it doesn’t work, then you move on to the next quarterback move.