San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick drew a lot of attention during the 2016 NFL season when he decided to take a knee during the national anthem. It seemed everyone had an opinion on his protest - he gained plenty of supporters and heard from more than a few vocal detractors.Now, as the NFL offseason marches on, the free agent quarterback, who led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII after the 2012 season (where they lost to the Baltimore Ravens), is looking for a new team.However, Kaepernick has found the free-agent market to be difficult, as teams are trying to decide whether or not they want to sign a player who may cause a stir in the locker room.Though the protests are likely the major factor in Kaepernick's continuing unemployment, teams are going out of their way to say that's not the reason he remains unsigned. In fact, one reporter said he's heard teams are worried about Kaepernick's vegan diet:

That reasoning is likely just a cover for the real reasons teams don't want to sign Kaepernick, as New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady follows a similar diet. Teams wouldn't hesitate to sign Brady, even now at age 39, so applying the same reasoning for why Kaepernick hasn't been signed is fishy at best.

Kaepernick has seen his skills decline in recent years, though, which is likely an actual factor in his difficulty finding a new team.

After reclaiming his starting job early last fall, Kaepernick threw for 2,241 yards and 16 touchdowns while the 49ers struggled their way to a dismal 2-14 record. Those numbers were significantly down from his career highs of 3,369 yards and 21 touchdowns.

At age 29, Kaepernick likely has several useful years ahead of him, and he'll almost certainly end up on an NFL roster somewhere this fall, but it may be a little while yet. The NFL draft is coming up at the end of the month and, following that event, teams will have a better idea of what their rosters will look like heading into summer workouts.

In Kaepernick's seven-year career, he's also proven to be lethal with his legs. He's rushed for 2,300 yards and 13 scores in his time with the 49ers.

Some team will take a chance on the ex-San Francisco star, and whoever does will get a player who has a lot left to offer. He does come with some baggage thanks to his protests, but at the end of the day, talent should win the day and he'll likely find a new NFL home.