Broncos most logical fit for Kaepernick
Shortly after the San Francisco 49ers hired Chip Kelly as their new head coach, quarterback Colin Kaepernick told the team he wished to be traded.
A former second-round pick in 2011, Kaepernick led the 49ers to two NFC championship games, and fell one pass short of winning Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens.
The past two seasons haven’t been as blissful. In 2014, the 49ers fell to 8-8, and 5-11 in 2015. Kaepernick threw for 1,615 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions before being benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert midway through last season.
Several teams have expressed interest over the past few weeks, including the Browns, Broncos and Jets, according to multiple reports. The Browns released troubled quarterback Johnny Manziel, and new coach Hugh Jackson has indicated he’d love to have Kaepernick. The Broncos traded for Mark Sanchez from the Eagles after losing both Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler, but have hinted they may not be done with their quarterback search. The Jets have expressed some interest, although they are attempting to re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Each scenario has its own set of roadblocks. Cleveland reportedly wants to restructure Kaepernick’s contract to half his current salary. The Broncos haven’t been willing to meet the 49ers’ demand of a second-round draft pick, and they only have about $17 million of cap space, so they would also need Kaepernick to agree to a reduced deal. Kaepernick has expressed interest in playing for the Jets, but if Fitzpatrick comes back, he and Geno Smith would create a logjam at the quarterback position.
Denver would be the most logical fit for Kaepernick’s skill set. With John Elway running the team, and Gary Kubiak as coach, he would have two former quarterbacks to help bring him back to his former glory days. Kaepernick’s running ability would be a welcome addition to Kubiak’s anemic offense.
But the 49ers hold the cards. If no teams meet their asking price, they may be content to pay Kaepernick the $12 million owed him in 2016, rather than cut him loose and take their chances with Gabbert. Sometimes, the best moves are the ones never made.
By Stephen Kerr