"He just called the entire state of Texas racist", "Why does ESPN still pay this guy?" - NFL fans blast Stephen A. Smith for calling Cowboys too 'patriotic' landing spot for Colin Kaepernick

The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a predicament. With just one game played in the 2022 NFL season, they are in a dire situation. Their last-place standing can be attributed to a tough opening opponent and the division's relative lack thereof. However, the loss of quarterback Dak Prescott for several weeks puts them in panic mode.At this point, there aren't a ton of great options to replace Prescott readily available. Most teams have their quarterbacks set and are probably unwilling to part with them or their backups. This severely limits the Cowboys' options.One player they may pursue is one who hasn't played since the 2016 season. Colin Kaepernick remains adamant that he wants to return to the NFL and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith believes Dallas should call him up.Smith said he doesn't believe the Cowboys will though, calling them &quot;too patriotic&quot; to consider the controversial quarterback.&quot;It will never happen in my opinion... He ain't been around, but he's a playmaker with his legs who's available... I don't think it'll ever happen because this is Texas... patriotic individuals.&quot;Dan Z@OutkickDanZStephen A Smith thinks the Dallas Cowboys should give Colin Kaepernick a call, despite that he hasn’t played in over 5 years.He says they won’t, though, not because he isn’t good enough but because Texas is too “patriotic.” More good stuff from ESPN. 🤦🏻&zwj;♂️1152116Stephen A Smith thinks the Dallas Cowboys should give Colin Kaepernick a call, despite that he hasn’t played in over 5 years.He says they won’t, though, not because he isn’t good enough but because Texas is too “patriotic.” More good stuff from ESPN. 🤦🏻&zwj;♂️ https://t.co/92iZ8h1yZoNFL fans were not too pleased with Smith's sentiment. He referenced the state of Texas' Republican stance and Kaepernick's kneeling protest, which was unpopular with many on that side of the political aisle. Here are some of the top comments:Texan by Birth@CountryOfTexas1Tell us you are a racist with actually telling us you are a racist. He just called the entire state of Texas racist. twitter.com/OutkickDanZ/st…Dan Z@OutkickDanZStephen A Smith thinks the Dallas Cowboys should give Colin Kaepernick a call, despite that he hasn’t played in over 5 years.He says they won’t, though, not because he isn’t good enough but because Texas is too “patriotic.” More good stuff from ESPN. 🤦🏻&zwj;♂️1161116Stephen A Smith thinks the Dallas Cowboys should give Colin Kaepernick a call, despite that he hasn’t played in over 5 years.He says they won’t, though, not because he isn’t good enough but because Texas is too “patriotic.” More good stuff from ESPN. 🤦🏻&zwj;♂️ https://t.co/92iZ8h1yZoTell us you are a racist with actually telling us you are a racist. He just called the entire state of Texas racist. twitter.com/OutkickDanZ/st…Tanner Tarvin 🌵@TTarvin22Why does ESPN still pay this guy? 🤡 twitter.com/OutkickDanZ/st…Dan Z@OutkickDanZStephen A Smith thinks the Dallas Cowboys should give Colin Kaepernick a call, despite that he hasn’t played in over 5 years.He says they won’t, though, not because he isn’t good enough but because Texas is too “patriotic.” More good stuff from ESPN. 🤦🏻&zwj;♂️1116Stephen A Smith thinks the Dallas Cowboys should give Colin Kaepernick a call, despite that he hasn’t played in over 5 years.He says they won’t, though, not because he isn’t good enough but because Texas is too “patriotic.” More good stuff from ESPN. 🤦🏻&zwj;♂️ https://t.co/92iZ8h1yZoWhy does ESPN still pay this guy? 🤡 twitter.com/OutkickDanZ/st…Ryan@splashtastic1@OutkickDanZ So he’s calling Texas racist. In a nice way. Got it24@OutkickDanZ So he’s calling Texas racist. In a nice way. Got itBrian Stone@brianstone07@OutkickDanZ @Outkick Patriotism &gt; Football. We have one because of the other, not the other way around 🤡@OutkickDanZ @Outkick Patriotism &gt; Football. We have one because of the other, not the other way around 🤡Nancy Beaudreau@JzrczmeNancy@OutkickDanZ When did “patriotic” become synonymous with racists21@OutkickDanZ When did “patriotic” become synonymous with racistsMagic Man@MikeHoncho5252@OutkickDanZ I wish some team would do it so Kap could embarrass himself and we’d be done listening to this crap.11@OutkickDanZ I wish some team would do it so Kap could embarrass himself and we’d be done listening to this crap.Petra J Rodriguez@petraj121@OutkickDanZ Because Cowboys are America's team and Kaepernick is anti American... simple as that.1@OutkickDanZ Because Cowboys are America's team and Kaepernick is anti American... simple as that.blown65@blown65@OutkickDanZ Well he would fit in, he sucks just like the Cowboys!14@OutkickDanZ Well he would fit in, he sucks just like the Cowboys!James Wheeler@JamesWheeler70@OutkickDanZ Kap sucks. Unamerican. Any team that would sign him would not only get a loser, but a distraction and a lot of losses. Get Jimmy G.1@OutkickDanZ Kap sucks. Unamerican. Any team that would sign him would not only get a loser, but a distraction and a lot of losses. Get Jimmy G.Michael Ferns Jr.@MichaelFernsJR@OutkickDanZ Explain to me again how he has gotten better in the last 5 years?54@OutkickDanZ Explain to me again how he has gotten better in the last 5 years?Rod@grc4bama@OutkickDanZ @Outkick That fact people actually watch this . Live sports is the only time I watch ESPN371@OutkickDanZ @Outkick That fact people actually watch this 💩. Live sports is the only time I watch ESPNWynter Callison@WynterCallison@OutkickDanZ ‘Patriotic’? Really? Is that what they’re calling racism these days?51@OutkickDanZ ‘Patriotic’? Really? Is that what they’re calling racism these days?I Bleed Dodger Blue@Jfignation@OutkickDanZ These dudes will still be bringing up Kaepernick ten years from now43@OutkickDanZ These dudes will still be bringing up Kaepernick ten years from nowThere seems to be no indication of whether or not the team is legitimately considering signing Kaepernick at this point.What options do the Cowboys have while Dak Prescott is out?Dak Prescott - Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Dallas CowboysThe sad truth is that the Cowboys have very few options to replace Prescott for the time being. While Kaepernick hasn't played in some time, he is at least a possibility. They could always trade for Jimmy Garoppolo, but there is very little chance that will happen. The 49ers will probably not trade him any time soon, especially not after losing in Trey Lance's first game since being confirmed starter.Cam Newton is another option, and he has at least played far more recently than Kaepernick. He's been banged up and would have to learn the offense on the fly, but he might be better than Cooper Rush. Aside from that, anyone who's realistically available would probably not represent an upgrade over Rush, who at least knows the offense.If you use any of the above quotes, please credit First Take and H/T Sportskeeda.