One of the definitions for "lame duck" on Dictionary.com is "anything soon to be supplanted by another..."
There's no way to tell how soon, if at all, a move may be coming, but San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick could be considered a lame duck entering the 2015 season. Sure, Kaepernick signed an extension through 2020. But look a little closer and you'll see that the 49ers have the ability to part ways with Kaepernick before April 1 of every year without any financial repercussions.
Moving on from Kaepernick may not be a realistic option right now, but it's at least worth considering. The 2011 second-rounder threw just 19 touchdowns along with 10 interceptions this past season and ranked as the 28th best quarterback in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. His passer rating of 86.4 ranked lower than that of Kyle Orton, Mark Sanchez and Jay Cutler. Not for nothing, but that's not what you want to see out of a guy you just signed to a seven-year deal worth $126 million.
All of the turnover in San Francisco only further muddies Kaepernick's future with the team.
"Kaepernick's performance level slipped last season, and now he will be dealing with the first coaching change and possibly the first full schematic changes of his NFL career..." Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News wrote.
There are several factors to consider when discussing Kaepernick's future. How well will he and new head coach Jim Tomsula work together? Will the 49ers be able to replace the production of looming free agents Michael Crabtree and Frank Gore? If San Fran coaches commit to more read-options as they have hinted, will Kaepernick be able to hold up physically?
"If any or all of that happens, everybody had better be prepared for constant scrutiny and pointed discussions about Kaepernick's future with the 49ers after 2015, because that's exactly how the 49ers designed this contract," Kawakami wrote.
Everything hinges on this season. Play well and win games, collect your money and stay on board. Struggle on the field and lose? Well, I hope your agent is ready for some overtime.
"If there's no turnaround, the 49ers will face a decision next spring," Kawakami added. "They will be thinking about it all year, every day, and Kaepernick should be thinking about it, too.
"And maybe by the end of it, Kaepernick will be just as content if the 49ers let him go to find somebody who might guarantee him slightly more than the minimum amount required."
