It appears to be a foregone conclusion that Colin Kaepernick has played his last game as a member of the San Francisco 49ers. Now the question is whether San Francisco will trade or release him.
Colin Kaepernick will reportedly be shopped this offseason
At least three teams were interested in bringing Kaepernick aboard at this year’s trade deadline.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the 49ers will aim to find a suitor for Kaepernick’s services this offseason. Rapoport also reported that at least three teams were interested in acquiring Kaepernick at the trade deadline, but none were willing to take on his salary in the middle of the season. Kaepernick doesn’t have any guaranteed money remaining on his six-year, $114 million contract, but his $11.9 million salary for 2016 becomes guaranteed by April 1 if he’s healthy.
On Fox NFL Sunday, Jay Glazer added to Rapoport’s report, saying Kaepernick’s fate in San Francisco largely depends on whether Jim Tomsula remains as the 49ers’ head coach. He likened the situation to what Jay Cutler went through in Chicago last year. It appeared as if Cutler’s days with the Bears were numbered after he lost his starting job in the middle of the 2014 campaign, but John Fox opted to keep him on board.
Though Glazer stopped short of saying the 49ers are considering ousting Tomsula at the end of the year, he raised the possibility.
Nope, I said IF that ends up happening. Doesn't mean it's already been discussed but you know this (cont) https://t.co/XciaW2KQLo
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 22, 2015 In a surprise move, the 49ers placed Kaepernick on injured reserve Saturday even though he went through a full week of practice and was slated to be Blaine Gabbert's backup against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday. Adam Schefter reported earlier that the move came at Kaepernick's request.
Colin Kaepernick told 49ers on Friday he wants to have surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, per source. Thus, IR. Thus, season over.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 21, 2015 Though the 49ers didn't bench Kaepernick until Nov. 4, he apparently first complained about shoulder soreness one month prior. Kaepernick first suffered the injury against the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 4. He started four games after that, only completing 57 percent of his passes.
The 49ers gave Kaepernick an MRI over the bye week, but he sought a second opinion and was told there was a significant tear to his labrum in his left shoulder. San Francisco will promote quarterback Dylan Thompson from the practice squad in Kaepernick's absence.
It’s been a tumultuous season for Kaepernick, who’s seen his QB rating drop to a career-low 78.5. His performance has declined in each of the last three years after peaking with a Super Bowl run in 2012.
Given how far Kaepernick has fallen, it’s difficult to believe he led the 49ers within a few yards of capturing a Super Bowl title just four seasons ago. But if the 49ers are serious about trading him, they’ll almost certainly remind teams of that. Now the question is how many teams will listen.
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