Bears: Colin Kaepernick workout is a must for Chicago, Ryan Pace

Veteran free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick is working out for NFL teams on Saturday. The Chicago Bears need to be there.

Before we get into why the Chicago Bears need to be there, let me back up a little bit and explain exactly what’s going on.

This week, the NFL announced it was scheduling a workout with veteran quarterback Colin Kaepernick, in which teams could choose to attend.

I repeat: This is the NFL’s doing. It’s a bit odd, right? However, the workout is going to happen — finally. Whether or not this is actually a genuine act by the league, or what many think might be a PR stunt, is besides the point.

Kaepernick is getting a shot, and that’s something.

Already, there are 11 teams confirmed to be in attendance tomorrow.

According to ESPN, the Cowboys and Seahawks will also be in attendance.

Obviously, things could change. But, at the moment, the Bears will not be present.

Let me make this crystal clear: General manager Ryan Pace has absolutely nothing to lose by sending some folks to check out Kaepernick in action.

It’s a mere workout. That’s it. There’s no pen and paper. No contract obligations — nothing.

When your third-year quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky, has regressed by all accounts, why wouldn’t you simply do your due diligence in going to see what Kaepernick has to offer at this stage?

He hasn’t played in the league since 2016, sure. But, when he was a starting quarterback, Kaepernick was certainly a much better option than several guys who have started games this season: Mason Rudolph, Devlin Hodges, Josh Rosen, Ryan Finley and Jeff Driskel are just a few.

This is a guy who threw 72 career touchdowns to only 30 interceptions — not a bad ratio. But, he also has 2,300 career rushing yards to go along with 13 touchdowns on the ground.

You’re telling me that Pace is totally fine with Trubisky, who has thrown just eight touchdowns in eight games this year, backed by Chase Daniel? He can’t possibly not be intrigued by Kaepernick, at the very least.

Whether or not you like the guy, Kaepernick was a solid starter in the NFL. He deserves a shot. He should absolutely be in the league today, whether as a starter or backup. There is no world where a guy with his skillset should still remain unsigned. Pace: Get your people there on Saturday; no excuses.