The San Francisco 49ers placed quarterback Colin Kaepernick on season ending injury reserve this past weekend due to a shoulder injury, possibly ending his tenure as a 49er as a whole. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the team will explore trade options in the offseason. We can't say we blame them.
In nine games this season, Kaepernick is completing 59 percent of his passes and has thrown for 1,615 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. He's also rushed 45 times for 256 yards (5.7 YPC) and one score. Unfortunately, Kaep is setting career lows in average yards per pass (6.62), QBR (47.1) and passer rating (78.5).
San Fran is just 3-6 and their offense ranks dead last in yards per game (288.2) and points (13.9). That isn't all because of Kaep's struggles, of course, but the 28-year-old QB was averaging just 179.4 passing yards per game before he went down with an injury. It was clear to all those involved that he had regressed from his earlier Super Bowl form.
So don't be surprised if the 49ers take a long hard look at available quarterbacks when the 2016 NFL Draft rolls around. Although it's early, CSN put together their first mock draft and projected San Francisco to select Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch with the sixth overall pick.
"The 49ers placed Colin Kaepernick on the season-ending injured reserve list, a move that probably also ended the quarterback's time in the Bay Area. That's why, barring a trade, the 49ers are a good bet to start the QB parade in round one. Lynch, California's Jared Goff and Michigan State's Connor Cook will view for top quarterback honors."
Lynch, a junior, is enjoying a very impressive season at Memphis right now. The third year starter has thrown for 3,448 yards with 21 touchdowns and only three interceptions while completing 69.1 percent of his passes. At 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, he possesses impressive that could be very effective at the next level.
Will the 49ers look his way come draft time? Will they get rid of Kaepernick? Only time will tell.
