Colin Kaepernick linked with a move from San Francisco
Monday 14 March 2016 11:18, UK
Staying in San Francisco, traded to Denver? What next for 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick who has been linked with Super Bowl 50 champions and Cleveland.
Despite an impressive start to his NFL career, which included a 2012 Super Bowl loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Kaepernick has found himself out of favour in Jim Tomsula's system, losing his starting role to veteran Blaine Gabbert.
A trade has been requested even though Tomsula has been replaced and the 49ers are now entertaining offers for the quarterback. Sky Sports assess the best options on the table.
Staying in San Francisco
New head coach, Chip Kelly, has stated he wants Kaepernick to stay with the 49ers. Kelly would look to play to Kaepernick's strengths, deploying a fast and mobile offense. Kaepernick knows the receivers and that relationship is important. If Kelly can sell his vision to the quarterback, San Francisco might not seem such a bad place.
It also makes financial sense to keep him on. Kaepernick is due $12m this season which, for a productive NFL starter isn't a lot of money, considering the latest deals for Brock Osweiler and Sam Bradford.
For the 49ers, it is whether he can be that productive starter. After three surgeries last year (shoulder, knee, finger), he will be a risk to any franchise offering starting QB money.
Denver Broncos
Kaepernick would suit the Broncos' offense, offering head coach Gary Kubiak more of a dual threat, on the ground and through the air, than he had with Peyton Manning.
However, it will be a rebuilding job at Denver, having lost defensive stars Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan during free agency. Although with the exception of running back C.J Anderson likely to leave for Miami, the offense should largely remain the same.
It would be a smart option for Kaepernick, whose range and accuracy could pair well with prize wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.
With Osweiler leaving the Broncos without a starting quarterback, and few quality options left at the position, Kaepernick would hold the bargaining power.
Cleveland Browns
With Johnny Manziel finally waived, it feels like a clean slate for Cleveland. New head coach, Hue Jackson, is a long time fan of Kaepernick, having already attempted to draft him for the Raiders in 2011. Kaepernick's five years of experience in the league, including two championship games and a Super Bowl, could prove key in rebuilding the franchise. It would also allow the Browns to draft a different position with their number two pick in this year's draft.
For Kaepernick's part, he is keen to work with the coach that turned Andy Dalton into an elite quarterback. That relationship is paramount and, if healthy, Kaepernick could flourish in Jackson's system.
The problem for the QB is that the roster is devoid of any quality, after losing several key players to free agency. Jackson and the front office will need to reassure Kaepernick of their ability to get deals done. If the 28-year-old wants a team close to competing for a Super Bowl ring, he should focus his attention elsewhere.
New York Jets
The Jets are a team in a 'win-now' mindset; the age and skill of their roster suggests they should be pushing for the play-offs. If Kaepernick wants immediate gratification, in the form of a ring, this might be his best option.
However, the Jets are in a domino situation. Their starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is testing free agency and is yet to commit one way or the other. Until the organisation are clear on Fitzpatrick's move, they will be reluctant to pursue Kaepernick.
Best fit: Denver Broncos
The team isn't as strong as it was last year, but a healthy Kaepernick would provide an upgrade to last year's waning Manning or the relatively unproven Osweiler. It is a great opportunity for Kaepernick to join a successful team and immediately contribute towards another push for Super Bowl glory.
