A New York Daily News report on Tuesday suggested that 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick would prefer to leave San Francisco this offseason, with the Jets named as his potential destination of choice. Kaepernick is still recovering from surgeries on his thumb and knee, and the 49ers don’t have to make a decision on his future until April 1st, so there likely won’t be any resolution to the QB’s situation anytime soon.
There’s little doubt that Kaepernick would prefer a fresh start, but even if he prefers to join a team like the Jets, he doesn’t control his own fate, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. As Maiocco points out, new head coach Chip Kelly will be the one deciding whether or not Kaepernick remains a Niner — if Kelly wants Kaepernick on the roster, he’ll stay on the roster. While it’s possible that Kaepernick will ultimately be traded or released, a new coaching staff in San Francisco could help give him the fresh start he seeks.
Here’s more from around the NFC West:
- Even if the Jets don’t want Kaepernick, they could use his reported interest in them as leverage in negotiations with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (on Twitter) opines. If the 49ers still haven’t made a decision on their quarterback by the time free agency opens on March 9th, it’ll be interesting to see how that situation affects the Jets — if at all.
- Vinny Curry‘s new deal with the Eagles should provide a good “data point” for Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin and his contract talks, tweets Corry. Seattle turned down its fifth-year option on Irvin, so he’s eligible for unrestricted free agency this winter.
- Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald is entering the final season of his contract, and it’s possible it will also be the final season of his NFL career, though he has yet to directly address the issue. Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic discusses that possibility.
- The 49ers have added J.P. Crowley Hanlon, who worked under Chip Kelly in Philadelphia, as an assistant to the coaching staff, says Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter links).
If Kaep wants to try to rebuild value I think his best chance to do so would be to stay in SF. I can see him putting out these rumors so he doesn’t have to play under Kelly, but Kelly’s system is perfect for him. Plus, he would get killed by the NY media and fans if he struggles.
I agree. Now as a jets fan I’m all in for having a young QB with a sb experience. But he hasn’t played the same. Injuries don’t help. But he seems as a better fit for Chip Kelly’s offense.
Given Kelly’s recent noncommittal comments regarding Kaepernick, I could understand why Kaepernick would want a change of scenery. But as JT19 points out, Kelly’s system may be just what Kaepernick needs, and I can’t imagine the 49ers give up on him just yet when their only alternative is Gabbert.
The Jets got maximum return out of Fitzpatrick. To think he’s anything more than a stopgap QB is foolish. Last season was an aberration as all you have to do is look at the mistake the Buffalo Bills when they gave him that enormous franchise QB contract. He is not the answer.