NFL Roster Update: San Francisco 49ers To Trade Colin Kaepernick?
The San Francisco 49ers gave the strongest indication that they will part ways with quarterback Colin Kaepernick after surprisingly putting the QB on season-ending injured reserve list. According to ESPN, the 28-year-old quarterback will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing left shoulder.
While San Francisco had a valid reason to rule Kaepernick out for the remainder of the season, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the move is a strong sign that the 49ers have no plans to keep their former starting quarterback.
"The Niners put Kaepernick on injured reserve Saturday, a surprise move from a timing perspective," Rapoport pointed out. "The circumstances for the injury ruffled some feathers and accelerated the divorce of the former franchise quarterback and the team he led to the Super Bowl."
Rapoport also revealed that at least three teams inquired about a possible trade for Kaepernick before the deadline, but no deal was reached because of the quarterback's tricky contract situation. According to Spotrac, Kaepernick has a cap hit of $15.27 million and dead money value of 20.66 million this season.
Kaepernick is scheduled to earn a base salary of $11.9 million in 2016, which will be fully guaranteed if he is still with the 49ers on April 1. The 49ers will reportedly explore trade options again before April and Kaepernick is also open to moving elsewhere to have a fresh start.
Meanwhile, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke declined to give a clear answer when asked if Kaepernick has already played his final game in a 49ers uniform.
"I wouldn't say that at all," Baalke said via ESPN. "I think people are reading into that. For me, where we stand right now, I wouldn't read too much into that right now."
Baalke did not discuss Kaepernick's contract situation as well, saying that the team and their quarterback should focus on the upcoming surgery and rehabilitation.
"Right now is not the time to get into the particulars," Baalke insisted. "Right now, he's no different than any other player that's been placed on IR. When that surgery takes place, then the rehab process, getting him ready for the offseason program's the next step. They'll be involved in all the meetings. They'll rehab. They'll condition."
Kaepernick, who led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2012, has completed 59 percent of his passes for 1,615 yards this season with just six touchdowns against five interceptions.
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