Baltimore Ravens weighing Colin Kaepernick cost, backlash

Before moving forward with free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the Baltimore Ravens are going all out to weigh the potential cost of bringing him on board.

Team president Dick Cass confirmed the franchise is reaching out to former players, anchor sponsors and advertisers and others to gauge the potential for a negative reaction to signing Kaepernick.

"We want to get a sense of what the attitude is out there and how Colin would handle it if he were to come, how he'd handle it and how that would change people's views," Cass said.

According to Cass, owner Steve Bisciotti discussed Kaepernick with former linebacker Ray Lewis and several fans in addition to corporate sponsors.

Kaepernick became a flashpoint for debate last season, kneeling during the national anthem to bring attention to civil rights issues.

Just 1-10 as a starter last season with the 49ers, Kaepernick has a 32-32 career record and led San Francisco to a Super Bowl -- a loss to the Ravens in New Orleans -- but lost his grip on the starting job due to injury.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was in regular contact with Kaepernick this offseason and they spoke again when starting quarterback Joe Flacco informed the team of his current back injury.

That prompted Cass and the Ravens to get to work feeling out the public response to the signing.

Bisciotti also told fans there are other veteran options for the franchise to consider, including Robert Griffin III.

Cass said Sunday that Kaepernick wants to play and has been working out and studying football film with a mind toward getting on the field.