BALTIMORE — Top executives from the Baltimore Ravens have spoken to current and former players, including Ray Lewis, as well as fans and sponsors as they continue to mull whether to sign polarizing free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Speaking alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at a fan forum before the Ravens’ practice Sunday night at M&T Bank Stadium, team officials acknowledged there have been direct discussions with Kaepernick, but they still haven’t made a decision about signing him.

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti urged fans to keep reaching out to the team to express their opinions about adding Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who became a lightning rod for controversy last season when he declined to stand for the national anthem to protest inequality.

The Ravens have been inundated with phone calls since Coach John Harbaugh told reporters following the team’s first full-squad workout on Thursday that the team was considering signing Kaepernick to help a shaky quarterback situation.

Starter Joe Flacco remains sidelined because of a back issue. Veteran backup Ryan Mallett has struggled in early training camp practices.

SEAHAWKS: An offseason that was filled with drama took on another layer Sunday when rookie defensive tackle Malik McDowell did not report for the start of training camp after being involved in a vehicular accident earlier in July.

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The team released a statement that McDowell is home recovering from injuries and that team doctors have been in communication about his recovery.

When asked if McDowell might not play this season, Seattle Coach Pete Carroll said, “We’ll see. I don’t know that.”

VIKINGS: Minnesota signed star cornerback Xavier Rhodes to a five-year contract extension, through the 2022 season.

Rhodes is entering his fifth NFL season and was picked for his first Pro Bowl in 2016.

NFL Media reported that the new contract is worth as much as $70 million.

LIONS: Detroit signed safety Glover Quin, 31, to a contract extension through the 2019 season.

BROWNS: Safety Ed Reynolds injured his left knee during practice Saturday.

Coach Hue Jackson did not provide a timeline for the 25-year-old’s return, but he said Reynolds did not tear his anterior cruciate ligament.


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