Ever since the San Francisco 49ers benched Colin Kaepernick for Blaine Gabbert midway through last season, there has been speculation surrounding his future with the team. Kaepernick's name has subsequently been brought up in a number of trade rumors involving a handful of teams such as the New York Jets, Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns throughout this offseason.
However, no actions have been made, and no potential trade talks have really heated up. Quarterback-needy teams appear to be exploring all options, especially with veterans such as Ryan Fitzpatrick and Robert Griffin III still on the market. Kaepernick's 2016 salary will become fully guaranteed on April 1, but it's not sounding like he will be moved before then.
"There's a good chance he's still on the team the way things look now," a source told reporters Thursday. The Browns, Broncos and Jets "have not shown much urgency" in trade talks thus far, apparently. The source also claimed that Kaepernick's release "won't happen," so the $11.9 million salary may be staying on San Fran's books.
Though Kaepernick has regressed over the past two seasons, it's not as if the 49ers need to get rid of him for financial purposes. The team has roughly $60 million in salary cap space, which enables it to play hardball at the negotiating table. That could widen the trade window until the 2016 NFL Draft (April 28-30).
It's also not like Kaepernick is actively pressuring the 49ers to move him, despite the rumored trade request last month. As of now, he reportedly intends to participate in the team's offseason program, which begins on April 4. He does intend to hold out at this time. New head coach Chip Kelly will not alter his plans either way.
"If he's here on April 4, we're going to coach the heck out of him, and he's going to work his (tail off)," Kelly said.
Based on that comment, it sounds as if the 49ers are open to trading Kaepernick, but only for the right deal. They hold all the leverage and therefore don't have to settle in any potential trade.
We'll keep you posted on any relevant updates.
