The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly shopping quarterback Colin Kaepernick around the NFL, and the Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns and New York Jets have emerged as the teams interested in the former second round draft pick.
The 49ers quarterback reportedly has his preference, as he would like to join new Browns head coach Hue Jackson in Cleveland next season. While the 49ers are shopping Kaepernick, they will be in need of a quarterback themselves, and one person to keep an eye on is former Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III.
If Kaepernick is traded from San Francisco, the 49ers and head coach Chip Kelly are reportedly "expected to emerge as a suitor" for the former first round draft pick. Griffin reportedly wants to play with the Los Angeles Rams next season, but there has been no indication that the Rams will be interested in signing the free agent quarterback.
Griffin had an explosive rookies season in 2012, in which he completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 3,200 yards and threw 20 touchdowns to five interceptions. He led Washington to an NFC East division title that year, but injuries and inconsistent play in the past couple seasons landed him on the bench. The Redskins found their franchise quarterback in Kirk Cousins last season and have since placed the franchise tag on him in hopes of working out a long-term contract.
While Griffin would reportedly like to join the Rams next season, the 49ers could be a potential strong fit. Griffin has many of the same qualities as Kaepernick, as they both are dual threats behind center that still need to develop their abilities as pocket passers. The 49ers should look to move on from Kaepernick and the media circus that has surrounded him this past year, and they could look to add Griffin to their roster with the option to target a quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft.
It will be interesting to see what the 49ers receive for Kaepernick, but reports have stated that they are looking for a second round draft pick. Both Griffin and Kaepernick could look to reestablish themselves on new teams in 2016, and both have proven that they can have success in this league but will need to prove themselves wherever they end up next season.
