Crisp, you balance your lack of football knowledge with an equal lack of legal knowledge. 

"The right to express an opinion without consequence is an inherent American principle."

Absolutely wrong. The government can't limit your speech outside of rules for safety, but no one guarantees that your expressed opinion won't have consequences. I occasionally have to remind my 3 year old that actions have consequences. 

As for the football side, I think Kaep's got a great skillset but it's very limited. He would likely not start for a team which means competing as a backup. The NFL doesn't want controversy, especially from a backup QBs. The upside to hiring Kaepernick as a backup (assuming he would take that job at backup money), is negated by the possibility of problems with fans, the media, and in the locker room. 

Kaep said he was standing against oppression then wore a Fidel Castro shirt the next day! He also admitted that he didn't vote. His skills just aren't worth the circus.