49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's future in the San Francisco has been in doubt since the middle of the 2015 season, when reports surfaced that he was "virtually certain" to not be returning next season.
The 49ers former second round draft pick struggled behind center last season, starting the year with a 2-6 record with six touchdowns to five interceptions before ultimately being benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert. The 49ers quarterback has been rehabbing from three surgeries in Vail, Colo., and reports of a potential trade with the Denver Broncos have started to heat up this weekend.
Conflicting reports have emerged as to how far along the two sides are on a potential trade, as one report has stated that a deal is in place for a mid-round draft pick, but that Kaepernick's current $11.9 million guaranteed salary is holding up the trade. Another report surfaced around the same time on Saturday that the two sides have not come to terms on picks for a trade and that Kaepernick's contract remains an issue.
The Denver Broncos currently can't fit Kaepernick's contract under their salary cap without make moves within their roster, and the most recent report from Sunday morning is that $4.9 million of Kaepernick's 2016 salary is currently holding the trade from happening. Denver is reportedly willing to pay $7 million of Kaepernick's contract, but both the Broncos and Kaepernick are looking for the 49ers to pay the remaining $4.9 million of his contract.
San Francisco's front office is reportedly unwilling to agree to those terms, as they don't see why they should pay for his contract when they have remained open to his return next season. Kaepernick and Broncos general manager John Elway have reportedly already met twice this offseason and have ironed out the remaining years of the quarterback's contract, which runs through the 2020 season.
It's seems as though Kaepernick's departure from San Francisco is inevitable at this point, as Kaepernick's return in San Francisco would likely be a cancer to the locker room, especially given the fact that he has reportedly vehemently sought a trade this offseason. The 49ers open offseason workouts this Monday, and Kaepernick's workout bonus is expected to lead him to show up. It's unknown how fast the two sides will come to an agreement, but right now, they are reportedly in a stalemate over his contract.
