San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke hopes to keep quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the bay area, but he's also willing to pull the trigger on a trade if need be. Baalke believes that new head coach Chip Kelly can help Kaepernick rebound from two disappointing seasons. Though GM and QB haven't spoken in person despite both being at team headquarters, Baalke has kept in touch with Kaepernick throughout this period.
The 28-year-old was granted permission to meet with the Denver Broncos after requesting a trade earlier this offseason. Though the financials of a deal prevented any movement, a trade still remains a possibility.
"I think you have to know all the circumstances that go into it, and I'm not going to get into all the hypotheticals or the circumstances surrounding it," Baalke said. "I've maintained from day one, as has the head coach, would love to get him out there and work within this system with this coaching staff. That's not changed. I said that in February, and here we are today still saying the same things."
Kaepernick and Broncos GM John Elway met late last month to discuss a potential fit. But the QB's $11.9 million guaranteed salary this season may be holding up any progress. Kaepernick appears unwilling to restructure his deal to facilitate a trade.
Kaepernick has not been made available to the media during this time, and Baalke wouldn't speculate on what's going on in his mind.
"I can't get into what his feelings are. I've not addressed them directly with Colin," Baalke said. "That's just not something that we've done at this point."
Kaepernick underwent surgeries on his right thumb, left knee and non-throwing shoulder this offseason. A torn labrum landed him on season-ending injured reserve after he was benched for Blaine Gabbert midway through the season. In eight games, Kaepernick completed 59 percent of his passes while throwing for six touchdowns against five interceptions and going 2-6 as the starter.
"He's still here," Baalke said. "Right now, he's out there, he's practicing, he's doing good in his rehab, that seems to be progressing well. He's going to all the meetings, he's very into it, he's very attentive, he's working hard. The coaches are excited about it, just as they are about getting a chance to work with all these guys. And there's really nothing else to report."
