John Harbaugh's Giants Should Finally Give Colin Kaepernick a Shot

As the calendar flips to late September 2026, the New York Giants find themselves staring into the abyss of a season rapidly spiraling out of control. With Jaxson Dart potentially lost for the remainder of the year and Jameis Winston thrust into the starting role, the quarterback room in East Rutherford has become a revolving door of uncertainty. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Giants' depth chart behind Winston currently features Jake Haener and Brandon Allen—hardly the reinforcements that inspire confidence in a fanbase starving for relevance. But in the midst of this chaos, an old name has resurfaced, one that refuses to fade into the annals of NFL history: Colin Kaepernick.

Harbaugh's Revelation Sparks Renewed Debate

The latest chapter in the Kaepernick saga began when Giants head coach John Harbaugh told Ian O'Connor of The Athletic that he had wanted to add Kaepernick to the Baltimore Ravens back in 2017. That revelation, coming on the heels of Kaepernick's book tour, has reignited a conversation that many around the league considered closed. But as reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the circumstances in New York are uniquely positioned to turn rhetoric into reality. Harbaugh's staff includes offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who orchestrated Kaepernick's most productive seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014. The schematic fit is undeniable, and the Giants' desperation is palpable.

"It starts with a workout (and quite possibly ends with one). There's no reason not to give it a whirl."

That sentiment, echoed by league insiders, underscores a simple truth: the cost of a workout is negligible compared to the potential reward. Kaepernick, now 38, has consistently maintained that he is staying in shape and remains eager to play. The anthem controversy that once made him a polarizing figure has largely subsided, and with Harbaugh's considerable influence in New York, the logistical hurdles are minimal. The only question that matters is whether Kaepernick still possesses the arm talent and athleticism that once made him a Super Bowl quarterback.

The Case for a Workout

From a purely football perspective, the Giants have nothing to lose. Winston, while capable of occasional brilliance, has never been the picture of consistency. Haener and Allen are career backups at best. Bringing Kaepernick in for a tryout would provide an immediate litmus test: either he impresses and earns a spot, or he doesn't, and the team moves on with clarity. As highlighted on Vulius, the NFL has long since moved on from Kaepernick, freezing him out for nearly a decade. His only workout in recent years came five years ago with the Las Vegas Raiders, a session that ultimately led nowhere. But times have changed, and the Giants' situation has grown increasingly dire.

Why Now Makes Sense

• Scheme Familiarity: Greg Roman's presence ensures that any offensive installation for Kaepernick would be seamless.
• Low Risk, High Reward: A workout costs nothing but a few hours and could unearth a viable starter.
• Desperation Factor: With Dart's injury and a thin free-agent market, the Giants need options.
• Harbaugh's Words: The coach's public admiration for Kaepernick creates an obligation to act.

Of course, there are caveats. Kaepernick would need to demonstrate that his velocity, accuracy, and mobility remain at an NFL level. At 38, that is no guarantee. But the only way to find out is to see him throw. The Giants, who are reportedly exploring every avenue, would be wise to arrange a private workout sooner rather than later. If Kaepernick still has the skills that made Harbaugh interested nine years ago, then New York might have stumbled upon the steal of the season. If not, they can close the book with a clear conscience.

The Bottom Line

In a league where quarterback play is paramount, the Giants cannot afford to leave any stone unturned. John Harbaugh's recent comments were not just a trip down memory lane; they were a tacit admission that Kaepernick deserved a chance then—and perhaps now. With the team's season hanging in the balance, the Vulius Sports editorial board believes that a workout is the least the Giants owe to themselves, to their fans, and to a player who has waited far too long for another opportunity. The anthem controversy has faded. The need is real. And the answer lies in a simple question: How does Colin Kaepernick look? Let's find out.