49ers Rumors: Colin Kaepernick Bound For The Big Apple?
By Kevin Saito
There are some who point to Colin Kaepernick as the reason for the regression of the San Francisco 49ers last season. Some point to the fact that he didn’t have a great season and seemed to regress as a quarterback as the reason the 49ers missed the postseason for the first time under former HC Jim Harbaugh. And it’s likely those beliefs that have fueled the speculation that one way or another, Kaepernick is on his way out of town.
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For their part, the 49ers – in the form of Jed York and Trent Baalke – have denied the rumors that they are either trying to move Kaepernick. But of course, what would one expect them to say if they can’t find a suitable trade partner?
Acknowledging the idea that they’d be willing to part with the popular quarterback and then not be able to do so, would lead to some awkward and uncomfortable situations, to say the least.
And for many, neither York nor Baalke have a whole lot of credibility to begin with. So for many, it’s not like their word can always be taken at face value. The speculation, rumors, and information from “inside sources” surrounding Kaepernick’s status have been ongoing for several months now. And oftentimes, where there is smoke, there is fire.
San Francisco 49ers
ESPN’s John Clayton is the latest to throw a log onto that particular bonfire who penned a recent column in which he suggested that if the 49ers struggle this season, it could lead to them dealing their quarterback.
"“But the 49ers might still be tempted to trade Kaepernick to a quarterback-starved franchise for two or three high draft choices, if they found the right deal. They could then look to find a way to come away with a top quarterback prospect in the draft, while retooling other parts of the roster.”"
Clayton, and many others, point to the incredible number of players who left the 49ers organization either as free agents, or retirements – both expected and unexpected – as a sign that the team will likely struggle in 2015, and not be able to match the 8-8 record they posted last season.
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And if the 49ers do struggle, or are out of contention early in the season, is it feasible to think that the organization – instead of simply parting with Kaepernick after the season and getting nothing in return – might pull the trigger on a trade to get something out of it?
One of the more interesting rumors floating around out there has Kaepernick going to the New York Jets.
"“The Jets’ top 15 pick in the 2016 draft and Muhammad Wilkerson (who fills the Justin Smith void) is a good jumping off point. The Jets might have to toss in one more middle-round pick to make it work.”"
On the surface, it’s a deal that makes sense for the Jets. They are a team notoriously starved for a quarterback, and neither Geno Smith nor Ryan Fitzpatrick are likely capable of being the long term solution. Certainly, neither of them have shown any indication that they can be the quarterback to lead a team into title contention.
And with the upgrades the Jets have made over the last couple of seasons, with a good QB under center, there’s no telling what they could do.
A deal with the Jets also makes sense for the 49ers in some respects. To get a player like Muhammad Wilkerson to fill a glaring defensive void, as well as a couple of draft picks to start restocking the roster could be viewed as a win-win for the team. They get some building blocks, and if they’re not sold on Kaepernick as their starter, they get something for a player they may have let walk after the season anyway.
Some are hopeful that Kaepernick’s offseason work will allow him and the 49ers to build on the success they had under Harbaugh. But many believe he is on a very short leash, while others think it doesn’t matter and that he is on his last legs in San Francisco no matter what.
Perhaps it’s a symptom of all of the upheaval and uncertainty surrounding the 49ers these days. But the Colin Kaepernick trade talk and speculation will not go away. And you can expect that talk to grow louder if the 49ers struggle and/or fall out of the playoff chase this season.