• Denver Broncos GM John Elway told reporters on Thursday that the team wouldn’t sign Colin Kaepernick because he previously turned down a contract offer.
  • Elway seemed to be referring to negotiations from 2016 when the Broncos offered Kaepernick a contract that included a $4.9 million pay cut.
  • Kaepernick has remained unsigned in the NFL since 2016 and has an ongoing collusion grievance against the league.

The Denver Broncos seem to be having more issues at quarterback, as neither Paxton Lynch nor Chad Kelly has firmly taken control of the backup job behind starting QB Case Keenum.

On Thursday, reporters asked Broncos GM John Elway if the team would consider signing Colin Kaepernick to fill the backup job. Elway said they wouldn’t because the team previously offered Kaepernick a contract and he turned it down.

“Colin had his chance to be here,” Elway said. “We offered him a contract. He didn’t take it.”

Elway seemed to be referring to negotiations that took place between the Broncos and Kaepernick in 2016. Kaepernick, then with the San Francisco 49ers, asked for permission to explore trades with other teams.

According to reports at the time, the Broncos were offering Kaepernick a deal with $7 million in base salary. That year he was slated to earn $11.9 million in base salary from the 49ers. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported at the time that the Broncos wanted the 49ers to make up the additional $4.9 million and they would not. Kaepernick refused to give up the remaining $4.9 million. The talks eventually fell apart.

Kaepernick was released by the 49ers after the 2016 season and has not played in the NFL since. Last year, he accused owners of collusion in a grievance, claiming his protest during the national anthem led teams not to sign him. Several NFL owners and front office members have been deposed as part of the grievance. Elway on Thursday he even noted that he said during his deposition that Kaepernick turned down the offer.

In Kaepernick's final season with the 49ers, he completed 59% of his passes for over 2,000 yards, 16 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a 90 passer rating. According to reports, he would still like to play in the NFL.