John Harbaugh confirms Baltimore Ravens' interest in Colin Kaepernick

July 27 (UPI) -- The Baltimore Ravens are officially exploring the thought of signing free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Coach John Harbaugh talked to reporters Thursday at Ravens training camp. He said that he has been talking to Kaepernick throughout the summer.

"I've known Colin through my brother for many years," Harbaugh told reporters. "And we talked and then got to know him very well when he scrimmaged here. He and I have been talking throughout the summer a number of times."

"We had some great conversations on the phone and it's really been a pleasure to talk to him and get to know him," Harbaugh said. "I like history and politics too, and we've had some debates, and it's been fun. And he's a great guy. He's a guy right now that's being talked about. We'll just see what happens with that. It'll all be speculation right now. He's a really good football player and like I said, I do believe he'll be playing in the National Football League this year."

Kaepernick played in Super Bowl XLVII with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played for four seasons under current Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh.

The Baltimore Sun reported Thursday that the Ravens were using assistant coaches to play quarterback during drills.

Joe Flacco could be out between three and six weeks due to a back issue, according to NFL Network. Ryan Mallett is currently second on the team's depth chart at the position.

Kaepernick had a quarterback rating of at least 95 in his last three NFL starts. He threw five touchdowns against one interception in those starts, while posting a 1-2 record last season for the 49ers.